Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that suffered by people who body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone insulin.

There are a two main types of diabetes:

Type 1

Type 2

What is type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a serious condition where your blood glucose (sugar) level is too high because your body can’t make a hormone called insulin. 

This happens because your body attacks the cells in your pancreas that make the insulin, meaning you can’t produce any at all. 

We all need insulin to live. It does an essential job. It allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. 

When you have type 1 diabetes, your body still breaks down the carbohydrate from food and drink and turns it into glucose. But when the glucose enters your bloodstream, there’s no insulin to allow it into your body’s cells. More and more glucose then builds up in your bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels.

What causes type 1 diabetes?

We’re still not sure what causes type 1 diabetes to develop. It’s got nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. But researchers and scientists around the world, including our own, are working hard to find answers. 

Is type 1 diabetes serious?

About 8% of people with diabetes in the UK have type 1 diabetes. It’s a serious and lifelong condition. 

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage your heart, eyes, feet and kidneys. These are known as the complications of diabetes. But you can prevent many of these long-term problems by getting the right treatment and care. This can help you manage your blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Managing type 1 diabetes

Managing type 1 diabetes can be challenging, but we’re here to support you. From exercising to carb counting and eating a healthy, balanced diet, making changes to your lifestyle can make a difference to how you feel. 

We’ve also got more information about treatments and keeping your blood sugar levels within your target range, so you can live well with your condition and reduce your risk of developing complications in the future. 

And we’re also here for you if you need emotional support, because we know that diabetes doesn’t just affect you physically. 

Can type 1 diabetes be reversed?

There’s no known cure for type 1 diabetes right now. But our scientists are looking at new treatments called immunotherapies, which could help to prevent, stop and cure the condition. 

And we’re also funding more research into what happens to the immune system in people with type 1, so that we can build on what we already know and find better, more accessible treatments.  

Signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes

Before you get diagnosed with type 1, your body will be trying to get rid of the glucose through your kidneys. That makes you wee a lot and is one of the main symptoms of diabetes. Other signs you should look out for include feeling thirsty, going to the toilet a lot and losing weight without trying to.

The symptoms tend to come on quickly – over just a few days or weeks. This is especially true in children. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs. 

Treatments for type 1 diabetes

Everyone with type 1 diabetes needs to take insulin. Some people will inject it and others may use a pump. Find out more about both of these treatment options so you can decide what’s right for you. 

Some people who fit a certain criteria may also be considered for an islet cell transplant. We’ve got more information about how they work.

As well as reading through the guidance and advice on this page, why not try our Learning Zone? With videos, quizzes and interactive tools tailored just for you, it’s the perfect way to discover more about your diabetes.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition where the insulin your pancreas makes can’t work properly, or your pancreas can’t make enough insulin. This means your blood glucose (sugar) levels keep rising.

What causes type 2 diabetes?

We all need insulin to live. It does an essential job. It allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. 

When you have type 2 diabetes, your body still breaks down carbohydrate from your food and drink and turns it into glucose. The pancreas then responds to this by releasing insulin. But because this insulin can’t work properly, your blood sugar levels keep rising. This means more insulin is released. 

For some people with type 2 diabetes this can eventually tire the pancreas out, meaning their body makes less and less insulin. This can lead to even higher blood sugar levels and mean you are at risk of hyperglycaemia. 

Is type 2 diabetes serious?

Around 90% of people with diabetes in the UK have type 2. It is serious condition and can be lifelong. 

If left untreated, high sugar levels in your blood can seriously damage parts of your body, including your eyes, heart and feet. These are called the complications of diabetes. But with the right treatment and care, you can live well with type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing them. 

Managing type 2 diabetes

Learning how to live with type 2 diabetes can be challenging, but we’ll help you to discover what works for you. Some people can manage it through healthier eating, being more active or losing weight. But eventually most people will need medication to bring their blood sugar down to their target level. 

Can type 2 diabetes be cured?

There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but some people are able to put their diabetes into remission. This means that your blood sugar levels are healthy and you don’t need to take diabetes medication any more. Remission can be life-changing, but it’s not possible for everyone.

Treatments for type 2 diabetes

There are a number of different ways you can treat type 2 diabetes, such as making healthy lifestyle choices, using insulin or taking medication. Your healthcare team will help you to find the right treatment for you. This can reduce your risk of developing complications and help you to live well with diabetes. 

Signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes

When you have type 2 diabetes your body can’t get enough glucose into your cells, so a common symptom is feeling very tired. There are also other symptoms to look out for. These include feeling thirsty, going to the toilet a lot and losing weight without trying to.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop more slowly than the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, making the condition harder to spot. That’s why a lot of people don’t get any symptoms, or don’t notice them. 

Some people also don’t think the symptoms are important, so don’t ask for help. This means some people can live for up to 10 years with type 2 diabetes before being diagnosed. 

Risk factors of type 2 diabetes

There are several factors that can affect your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Because the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are not always obvious, it’s really important to be aware of these risk factors. They can include: 

your age

if you have a parent, brother, sister or child with diabetes

your ethnicity

high blood pressure 

being overweight 

We’ve got more information about all of the risk factors, as well as a Know Your Risk tool that can help you discover your risk of type 2 diabetes within minutes. 

Learn more about the risk factors of type 2 diabetes.

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?

What to do if someone has a diabetic emergency

Hyperglycaemia

This is where the blood sugar level is higher than normal. It may be caused by a person with diabetes who has not had the correct dose of medication. They may have eaten too much sugary or starchy food or, they may be unwell with an infection.

Signs and symptoms

Look for:

• warm, dry skin
• rapid pulse and breathing
• fruity, sweet breath
• excessive thirst
• drowsiness, leading them to become unresponsive if not treated (also known as a diabetic coma)
• medical warning jewelry or medication.

What to do

If you suspect hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), they need urgent treatment. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help and say that you suspect hyperglycaemia.

They may be wearing a medical bracelet or medallion, or have a card on them which can alert you to their condition.

While you wait for help to arrive, keep checking their breathing, pulse and whether they respond to you.

If they become unresponsive at any point, open their airway, check their breathing and prepare to start CPR.