Click on the headings below to read our Diabetes Factsheet.
Diabetes is a long term condition that causes a person’s blood sugar (glucose) level to be high due to your body not producing enough insulin or the producing insulin that isn't effective
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes - occurs because the pancreas does not produce any insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections.
- Type 2 diabetes – occurs because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot use the insulin produced and affects 90% of the UK population.
- Feeling very thirsty
- Urinating more frequently than usual, especially at night
- Frequent episodes of thrush
- Feeling very tired
- Weight loss
- Cuts or wounds that heal slowly
- Blurred vision
The amount of glucose in your blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin.
Insulin is produced by your pancreas. When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood into the cell, where it is converted into energy.
If you have diabetes, your body is unable to convert glucose into energy. Your risk of diabetes is increased if you:
- Are overweight or living with obesity
- Do not have a healthy diet
- Have a family history of type 2 diabetes
- Are of Asian, Black African or African Caribbean origin
- Take certain medicines such as steroids for a long time
- Have high blood pressure.
Treatment for diabetes includes managing blood sugars by regular checking them and using medication and insulin where necessary.
Also lifestyle changes such as eating healthily and being active.
Knowing how to monitor and manage your blood sugar levels will help you manage your diabetes.
National Charity Diabetes UK has lots of tips and advice on how to go about this.
If you are a diabetic your target range will be:
- When you wake up and before you have eaten, 4 to 7 mmol/l
- 2 hours after meals, less than 8.5 mmol/l
Eat a healthy balanced diet
A large part of managing diabetes is controlling your blood sugars. This can be done through medications but also by ensuring a balanced diet. If you are medically obese you can get support with losing weight through weight management programmes. Ask your GP for more information.
Stopping smoking
Smoking increases your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and therefore getting help to quit can be helpful to prevent this.
Increasing physical activity
Increasing physical activity can help with weight management but also increasing muscle mass can help with insulin sensitivity.
Taking anti-diabetic medication
Controlling your blood sugar can sometimes need extra intervention, such as medication. If you are prescribed medication it is important to take it at the right time and schedule.
Myth 1: People with diabetes should not eat fruit
No, although there are natural sugars in fruit they are still an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet. Fruit contains nutrients and fibre that are good for our health. Therefore, if your blood sugars are high it is best to look at other sources of sugar before cutting down on fruits.
Myth 2: Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar
Not true! There are two different types of diabetes, as mentioned previously, neither are caused exclusively by eating too much sugar. Type 1 diabetes is when your pancreas no longer produces insulin. Type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle factors and therefore eating too much sugar can increase your risk but does not guarantee you will develop Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes UK
Helpline 0345 123 2399
Email helpline@diabetes.org.uk
A national charity providing information for members of the public and health professionals. A really useful website packed with information on everything from recipes to the latest research.
Diabetes UK Bromley Support Group
https://bromley.diabetesukgroup.org
3 Hayes Lane, Bromley, Bromley BR2 9EA
Email: diabetesbromley@gmail.com
Telephone: 0208 460 7368
Local support groups run by Diabetes UK in Bromley.
Diabetes.co.uk
An online forum for members of the public. Contains advice on many areas from dealing with difficult emotions to practical advice around work and benefits, for people living with diabetes.
Bromley Council Diabetes and prevention in Bromley
https://www.bromley.gov.uk/health-wellbeing/diabetes-prevention-bromley
Information about diabetes and about diabetes prevention programmes in Bromley.
Association of UK Dietitians
The Association of UK Dietitians food fact sheets containing diet advice for people living with diabetes and tips for managing your condition.
You can find out more about the support provided by our Long Term Health Conditions Team on the Long Term Health Conditions webpage.
Download the Diabetes Factsheet as a .pdf here