About diabetes

1. Type 1

   This is when your body doesn’t make any insulin at all so to treat it you need to take insulin either by injections or via an insulin pump. You should also follow a healthy balanced diet and get regular physical activity. It’s more common in people under 40 and the vast majority of children with diabetes have Type 1.

2. Type 2

   This is when your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin it does make is unable to work properly. Type 2 is treated by following a healthy balanced diet and getting regular physical activity, but many people will also need medication, sometimes including insulin. Type 2 is more common in white people over the age of 40, and in Black or South Asian people over the age of 25.

How much do you know already?

1. Type 2 diabetes is a mild form of the condition – true or false?

   False. There’s no such thing as “mild” diabetes. Both conditions are serious and should be treated as such.

2. Name 2 main risk factors for type 2 diabetes

   You could have had two of the following: Being White and over 40 or Black or South Asian and over 25; Having a close family member with Type 2 diabetes; Being overweight or having a large waist.

3. Now you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, do you have to stop eating sugary foods?

   No. The diet for people with diabetes is the same healthy balanced diet that is recommended for the general population – one that is low in fat, salt and sugar. That’s “low” not “no”!

4. How much fruit and vegetables should I have each day?

   At least five portions.

5. Can you still drive if you have diabetes?

   Yes, but there might be some restrictions depending on how your diabetes is treated.

6. How much exercise should I be getting?

   At least 30 minutes 5 times a week

7. Can you still drink alcohol if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes?

   Yes, but stick to the amounts recommended for the general population which are 1-2 units a day for women and 2-3 for men.

8. Can diabetes be cured?

   No, but it can be successfully managed by following a healthy balanced diet and/or taking medication as prescribed

9. What are the potential complications of diabetes?

   Strokes, blindness, heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage.

10. How can people with diabetes reduce their risk of complications?

    Keeping their BGL as near normal as possible will help reduce your chances of developing these complications. Attending your annual review is important so any changes can be picked up early and treatment can be started to help halt their progression.