Diabetes

The main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational, which can happen during pregnancy. Only some types come can be prevented.

Symptoms of diabetes include peeing more than usual, feeling very thirsty and very tired, and losing weight without trying.

Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by a problem with your immune system. Other types can be linked to weight, ethnicity, family history and age.

The main treatment for type 1 diabetes is a medicine called insulin. Type 2 treatments can include lifestyle changes and medicines such as insulin.

If your blood glucose is not managed well, diabetes can increase your chance of health problems, like problems with your sight, nerves or kidneys.

The most common symptoms of diabetes are:

• feeling thirsty all the time
• peeing more than usual
• feeling very tired
• losing weight without trying

• have a higher risk of developing diabetes

Not everyone with diabetes has symptoms, so it's important to get checked out.

Diabetes is caused by your body not making enough or any of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin not working properly (insulin resistance).

Insulin helps your body use glucose (sugar) for energy. Without it, the level of glucose in your blood becomes too high.

It's not possible to prevent type 1 diabetes because it's usually caused by a problem with your immune system (autoimmune condition).

You may be more likely to get type 2 or gestational diabetes because of your weight, age, ethnicity, or if other people in your family have it.

You can sometimes reduce your risk of getting type 2 and gestational diabetes by making lifestyle changes such as:

• eating a balanced diet
• exercising regularly
• maintaining a healthy weight

Pre-diabetes (non-diabetic hyperglycaemia)

Some people have blood glucose (sugar) levels above the normal range but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is known as pre-diabetes or non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.

People with pre-diabetes are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but the risk can be reduced through lifestyle changes.

If you have pre-diabetes, you may be eligible for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. This helps people make lifestyle changes and has been shown to help prevent type 2 diabetes.

The treatment you'll have depends on the type of diabetes you have. You'll be treated by a specialist diabetes team in hospital or at your GP surgery.

Type 1 diabetes treatment includes taking a medicine called insulin for the rest of your life, and regularly checking your blood glucose (sugar) levels.

Type 2 diabetes treatment and gestational diabetes treatment includes lifestyle changes such as eating healthily, exercising and trying to lose weight, and sometimes medicines, such as metformin or insulin.

Having diabetes can increase your chance of getting other health problems, including:

• heart attack and stroke
• kidney problems
• nerve damage and foot problems – diabetes can cause damage to nerves (peripheral neuropathy)
• sight problems – adults and children aged 12 or over will be
  offered diabetic eye screening every 1 to 2 years
• gum disease

Complications can develop over time and are linked to high blood glucose (sugar) levels. Managing your blood glucose well and keeping to your agreed target level can lower your chances of getting complications.