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 commoner in the overweight and obese, which is itself a growing problem. Please click the link to watch a video for information about Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes
The remainder have type 1 diabetes mellitus, which used to be known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Gestational diabetes (in pregnancy)
During pregnancy, some women have such high levels of blood glucose their body is unable to produce enough insulin to absorb it all. It affects around 5% of pregnant women.
Pregnancy can also make existing type 1 diabetes worse. Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of health problems developing in an unborn baby, so it is important to keep your blood glucose levels under control.
In most cases, gestational diabetes develops during the second trimester of pregnancy (weeks 14-26) and disappears after the baby is born. However, women who have gestational diabetes are at increased risk (30%) of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
For more information on Gestational Diabetes click here.
Symptoms
The main symptoms are:
- feeling very thirsty.
- urinating frequently, particularly at night.
- feeling very tired.
- weight loss and loss of muscle bulk.
Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because early symptoms tend to be general.
If you would like to do a quick self-assessment for type 2 diabetes click here for an NHS online assessment.
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
Diabetes UK - How to take a blood glucose test
There is further information and education on the Diabetes UK Video Site
Useful Links
Diabetes - Healthtalkonline
Healthtalkonline, an award-winning charity website, lets you share in other people's experiences of health and illness. An excellent resource compiled after interviewing a wide range of people suffering from heart disease.
Type 1 Diabetes
An excellent resource with useful information and references relating to Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
A useful resource regarding Type 2 Diabetes. 
Diabetes UK
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 Choices
Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of Diabetes
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.