Diabetes is a long-term condition causing too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. There are two main 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. Early signs of diabetes are fatigue, feeling thirsty, passing lots of urine, infections (such as thrush) so these are symptoms to watch out for.

More than three-quarters of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes mellitus. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing as it commoner if you are overweight, and it is also related to being older. The remainder have type 1 diabetes mellitus, which used to be known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; most patients develop type 1 diabetes when they are younger.

All types of diabetes are associated with increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, feet problems including severe infections, vision problems leading to blindness and kidney damage. Fortunately with good control of diabetes we know we can reduce these risks significantly. The practice will periodically call you in for a review of your diabetes with our practice nurse, with an annual review usually in your birthday month.

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. Sometimes this can reverse diabetes. Please have a look at the video about lifestyle changes below. When you are diagnosed with diabetes you can be sent on an education course (DESMOND) about diabetes and lifestyle changes.

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.

Useful Links

Diabetes UK is the largest charity in the UK devoted to the care and treatment of people with diabetes in order to improve the quality of life for people with the condition

NHS Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of Diabetes

NHS Lothian  Patient information leaflets

NHS Lothian  Sources of help and information to help you manage your type 2 Diabetes

NHS Lothian Updates on Anti-obesity medications 

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.