Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes Support
General Guidance and Information
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.
The remainder have type 1 diabetes mellitus, which used to be knwon as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
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 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 its a progressive disease.
DIABETES WEEK - 12th to 16th June 2023
Diabetes Awareness Week takes place every year on the third week of June. This means that in 2023, it will take place from the 12th June until 18th June.
How can I get involved? There are plenty of amazing ways to get involved this Diabetes Awareness Week. Please visit the Diabetes UK website HERE for useful information and guidance to help you manage your diabetes.
If you have Type 1 Diabetes, please click HERE for more information about the "Type 1 Diabetes" FREE digital resource.
To self-refer to this free service, please click HERE
If you have Type 2 Diabetes, please click HERE for more information about the "Healthy Living for People with Type 2 Diabetes" FREE online structured education programme.
To self-refer to this free programme, please click HERE
To read Dave's story, please click HERE
To read Janita's story, please click HERE
Diabetes UK - How To Take a Blood Glucose Test
Useful Links
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.
An excellent resource with useful information and references relating to Type 1 Diabetes.
A useful resource regarding Type 2 Diabetes.
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.
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.
Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
National Diabetes Campaign
Charlton participated in the National Diabetes Week to further encourage and support our Diabetic patients. Please see details below on the programmes being offered to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients.
- MyType1Diabetes is a free online platform with tailored support to help adults live well with their type 1 diabetes. This programme puts participants in control of their diabetes by providing free, online information, advice and resources. Sign up to the programme today HERE
- Healthy Living is a free online programme clinically proven to help participants live well with their type 2 diabetes. This programme provides information about type 2 diabetes, mental wellbeing and supports participants to adopt healthy lifestyle choices. Sign up to the programme today HERE