Diabetes
About Diabetes.
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus. There are two types of diabetes - type 1 and type 2.
According to the charity Diabetes UK, more than two million people in the UK have the condition and up to 750,000 more are believed to have it without realising they do.
More than three-quarters of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes mellitus. This used to be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity-onset diabetes mellitus. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing as it is commoner in the overweight and obese. It can also be genetic; African Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian (Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi) or Chinese descent are at higher risk.
The remainder have type 1 diabetes mellitus, which used to be known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
What’s the treatment for diabetes?
It's recognised that the sooner the blood sugar levels are brought under control, the better the long term prospects of preventing damage. Lifestyle advice about diet, weight management and regular activity is the first step.
Type 1 diabetes will require immediate insulin therapy, Type 2 diabetes will first be managed with a drug called Metformin, if lifestyle changes alone aren't effective. There are now several other drugs used in type 2 diabetes, although eventually some type 2 diabetics will need insulin therapy as it's a progressive disease.
More information can be found at the NHS website.
Want to speak to someone?
You can contact Leigh, our Diabetes Care Co-ordinator, if you’d like some extra advice or if you need extra help with managing your condition.
Email: swhealthcare.diabetesmalvernpcn@nhs.net
Phone: 01905 969896 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 16.00pm
-
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP)
It’s very important that you find out if you are at high risk of Type 2 diabetes so you can get support to lower your risk.
You may be eligible for a free local NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
Our Diabetes Care Coordinator will be able to support you further, please call on the above number.
-
Understanding HbA1c
Have you ever wondered how HbA1c measures your glucose levels? Why this is important? How you can make a difference?
-
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. It affects women who haven't been affected by diabetes before.
For more information please click below.
-
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK are a charity devoted to the care and treatment of people with diabetes in order to improve the quality of life for people with the condition.
Their website offers a variety of information on both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, and their YouTube channel contains a number of excellent videos on managing your condition.