What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a long term condition where you have too much glucose or sugar in your blood because your body can't use it properly.  And this is because your body has a problem making the hormone insulin.  Now insulin is normally made in your pancreas, a small gland that sits just underneath your stomach, and it helps glucose get into your body cells where it's used for energy.  In diabetes however, your pancreas either doesn't make enough insulin or the insulin that it does make doesn't work properly.  Diabetes can't be cured but with support and education from your doctor or nurse, it shouldn't stop you enjoying your life to the full.

Now there are two types of diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes 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.  Now this type of diabetes is more common in people under 40 and the vast majority of children with diabetes have the Type 1.

Type 2 diabetes is when your body either doesn't make enough insulin or the insulin that it does make doesn't work properly.  Type 2 diabetes is treated by following a healthy balanced diet and getting regular physical activity.  But many people also need medication including insulin sometimes.  Type 2 diabetes is more common in white people over the age of 40 and in black or South Asian people over the age of 25.