Whether you have type 1 Diabetes or type 2 , you’ll know how difficult living with diabetes can be. There are some other forms of diabetes as well. Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood this can lead to an increase risk of complications of diabetes includes heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, foot problems and even blindness. Apart from the glucose level it is very important to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels as well. Other important risk factors for complications are  smoking reduced physical activity being overweight and having a diet that does not have enough fruits and vegetables . Controlling there these risk factors  can reduce the chances of all complications of diabetes including dying earlier.

What symptoms might suggest I have Diabetes?

• Going to the toilet more often, particularly at night
• Becoming very thirsty, losing weight without trying
• Finding cuts or wounds take longer to heal
• Blurred vision
• Marked Tiredness

If you do have some of these symptoms you may want to book an appointment with your GP

What’s the difference?

Type 1 is treated by having Insulin injections and is often diagnosed in childhood or young adulthood

Type 2 can be treated with lifestyle change and medication if needed without medication and is often associated with excess body weight

A new study shows that type 2 diabetes can be reversed in obese people by weight loss of 15kg (in a year)in 86% of cases. This may apply to you if you have only had diabetes for 6 years or less.

West Midland Clinical Network (WMCN) are committed to working with all healthcare professionals,  to help make sure patients receive the best possible treatment.

Diabetes: The National Perspective

An update from the NHS Diabetes Programme by Professor Jonathan Valabhji, OBE National Clinical Director of Diabetes and Obesity – February 2019