Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a common life long condition where the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high and the body cannot use it properly. This is because the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin or the insulin that the pancreas makes does not work properly.
What happens and what causes it?
Diabetes is having too much glucose in the blood. When we eat, food is passed through the digestive system where it is broken down into glucose which passes into the blood. The glucose provides the energy we need to function. Normally a person's pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which acts like a key, unlocking the door into a body cell and allowing the glucose to pass through into the cell to be converted into energy. Diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or the insulin that the body produces does not work properly resulting in there being too much glucose in the blood.
The risk of diabetes is known to be much greater in the Asian population. Across Asia diabetes once perceived as a ‘rich man’s burden’ is on the rise and is stretching across a wide range of age, weight and social economic classes. Diabetes is often linked with obesity and changes in lifestyle. The Diabetes Specialist Team work in collaboration with the Asian Development Association of Bury (ADAB) and diabetes awareness sessions are delivered by the Diabetes Specialist Team in the ADAB Centre. Information in various languages can also be accessed via the Diabetes Specialist Team or Diabetes UK.
What are the different types of diabetes?
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Both of these types have the same signs and symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?
You may have experienced some of these symptoms but not necessarily all of them:
- Increased thirst
- Going to the toilet all the time especially at night
- Extreme tiredness
- Loss of energy
- Weight loss
- Recurring infections
- Slow healing of wounds
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes occurs when there is a severe lack of insulin in the body as the insulin-producing cells have been destroyed and the body is unable to produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually appears in people under the age of 40 and often in childhood.
Type 1 diabetes is treated by:
- Insulin injections
- Diet/healthy eating
- Physical activity
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough for its needs or when the insulin produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). This type of diabetes often appears in people over the age of 40. Diabetes is much more likely to occur if you are overweight.
Some medication can also increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Some people may not notice any symptoms and only have their diabetes picked up at a routine medical check up.
Type 2 diabetes is treated by:
- Diabetes structured education
- Diet/healthy eating
- Physical activity
- Weight loss, if necessary
- In some cases tablets and/or insulin.
How to manage your diabetes
Diabetes needs to be treated seriously as it is a life-long condition and good management of your diabetes can help prevent further complications.
Managing your diabetes well is a balancing act, where you have to manage
a healthy diet and physical activity with medication (if you are taking any).
The management of diabetes most importantly involves self-care. The main aim of treatment of both types of diabetes is to achieve blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels as near to normal as possible. This together with a healthy lifestyle will help to improve wellbeing and protect against long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves and major arteries.
What care should I expect from the health service for my diabetes?
Your GP, practice nurse and Diabetes Specialist Team are here to support you with this condition and to help you find ways to continue living your life to the full.
Educating yourself about your condition can help immensely and may reduce your anxieties; it will also help you in managing your own diabetes. To find out more ask your GP or practice nurse for an information leaflet which is full of useful information or ask how to enrol on one of the diabetes patient’s X-PERT Training Programme provided by the Community Diabetes Service or you can contact the local Diabetes Support Group via email: burydiabetic100@yahoo.co.uk
Useful website addresses
www.diabetes.org.uk
Diabetes UK is a charity for people with diabetes. It provides a wide range of
information as well as a confidential careline on all aspects of diabetes.
www.bhf.org.uk
The British Heart Foundation is at the forefront of the fight against heart disease, funding research, education and care. In addition, it provides lots of useful publications and videos giving practical advice on caring for your heart.
www.library.nhs.uk
The National Electronic Library for Health is working with NHS libraries in developing a digital library for staff, patients and the public.
www.diabetesmonitor.com
A website that brings together descriptions of and links to all those places where people with diabetes can find resources, which they can use.
www.ex.ac.uk/diabetesgenes
This site, set up by Exeter University and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, aims to inform patients and professionals on research and clinical care in genetic types of diabetes. This includes details of the Warren 2 Project and Mature Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY).
www.diabetes-insight.info
Diabetes Insight provides information for people and families with diabetes in the UK, to help them to manage their diabetes and lead an active life.
www.idf.org/home
International Diabetes Federation.
www.insulin-pumpers.org.uk
NPUT is a patient led support group for people with diabetes using insulin pumps, run by pump users and their families. The group provides information for people seeking facts about insulin pumps, their use and how to obtain and fund them.
www.runsweet.com
A site for people with diabetes with a focus on sport, providing information on diabetes and sport, as well as other diabetic issues.
Who is eligible to access our service?
All adults with type 1 diabetes (except patients with diabetes keto-acidosis - as a result of high blood glucose ) and type 2 diabetes (except those with actue and/or complex needs or serious complications).
How to access our service
By referral from Bury GPs via a referral template sent to the Business Management Centre.
How to contact us
T: 0161 447 9847