Diabetes Awareness Week 14 - 20 June Next week is Diabetes Awareness Week and we are supporting Diabetes UK to raise awareness of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Types of diabetes There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes: This is where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. Type 2 diabetes: This is where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2. During pregnancy, some women have such high levels of blood glucose that their body is unable to produce enough insulin to absorb it all, this is known as gestational diabetes. To learn more about Gestational diabetes please click here.
Symptoms and signs of diabetes Below are some of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. These symptoms can affect anyone, and show in both adults and children. You may have some or all of these: Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night. Being really thirsty. Feeling more tired than usual. Losing weight without trying to.
Cuts and wounds take longer to heal. Genital itching or thrush. Blurred eyesight. Increased hunger.
Learn more about the symptoms of diabetes with this short video from Diabetes UK. Seeking professional medical help With type 1 diabetes, the symptoms tend to come on quickly over just a few days or weeks. This is especially true in children. That's why it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs. You should visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience the main symptoms of diabetes. Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general. If you are concerned, you should ask your GP to be tested for diabetes. Living with diabetes If you're diagnosed with diabetes, you'll need to eat healthily, take regular exercise and carry out regular blood tests to ensure your blood glucose levels stay balanced. You can use a BMI healthy weight calculator to check that you're a healthy weight and you can also find apps and tools to help you manage your diabetes and have a healthier lifestyle in the NHS Apps Library. People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes also require regular insulin injections for the rest of their life. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition and can be helped with a lifestyle change, however medication may eventually be required, usually in the form of tablets. Click here for further information from Diabetes UK. Work and diabetes It’s important that you tell your employer if you are diagnosed with diabetes, so they can assist you in the best possible way and help you manage your condition. Sharing this information could be lifesaving, for instance if you have a hypo, where your blood glucose levels drop too low, this could lead to you being treated quicker and preventing you from having further health complications. You may need time off for check-ups or blood tests to help you manage your condition. Medical conditions We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of all of our employees. We would encourage employees who have a medical condition to disclose this to your Line Manager. This information will be treated confidentially, and is important to the emergency services or others in the event of a medical emergency. It will also enable your Line Manager to review, and provide or arrange any support where required. Please be aware that you are under no obligation to disclose any personal medical information. However, we would encourage you to do so where this could assist us in ensuring your health, safety and wellbeing at work, which is our priority. In addition, if you do have a medical condition, we would encourage the carrying of a Medipal medical card. This provides the emergency services with details of medical condition and enables them to be better informed in the event of an emergency. Please review this with your HR Coordinator, who can provide details of the scheme and your division will support the purchase of the card.