DID YOU KNOW? 90% of adults with diabetes in the UK have Type 2.

What is diabetes?

In layman’s terms, Diabetes is a condition that affects a person’s blood sugar level.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 means the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.

Type 2 on the other hand, is when the body can’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin.

What are the signs? When should I seek help?

You know your body better than anyone. If you feel something isn’t right, and are experiencing any of the main symptoms of diabetes, it’s best to get it checked out sooner rather than later.

Symptoms include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Needing to pee more frequently than usual (especially at night)
•  Fatigue & Tiredness
• Loosing weight & muscle bulk
• Itching around the penis or vagina/ Frequent episodes of thrush
• Cuts or wounds healing slower than usual
• Blurred vision.

Many people with type 2 diabetes can have it for years without realising, due to the generalised symptoms. Those with type 1 however can develop it over weeks, and sometimes days.

There is help available for both Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes, but like many health issues, the sooner you receive help, the better the outcome is likely to be.

For more information, visit the NHS, or Diabetes UK websites.