Diabetes: Your Essential Guide

Types of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition where the body’s immune system attacks and tears down insulin producing cells.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body lacks insulin due to its low production or when the cells of the body do not react appropriately to insulin; more common that type 1 diabetes.

Causes of diabetes

Insulin, a hormone that controls the amount of sugar in your blood is produced by the pancreas. After your food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin shifts glucose out of the blood into the cells, there it is broken down and produces energy. If you have diabetes, this process of breaking down glucose into energy does not happen. The cause is either a lack of insulin or the insulin that has been produced does not work properly.

Unfortunately, lifestyle changes do not lower the risk of type 1 diabetes. It is, however, possible to lessen the risk of type 2 diabetes. This can be done through a healthy diet, exercising regularly and as a result, reaching and maintaining a healthy body weight.

Symptoms of diabetes

The symptoms for both types of diabetes include: extreme thirst, excessive urinating, particularly at night, feeling very tired, losing weight unexpectedly, blurred vision and itching around intimate parts.

When it comes to weight loss, this is more common in those with type 1 diabetes in its initial development stage. It is less common in people with type 2 diabetes.

For type 1 diabetes, development can advance quickly over weeks or days whereas those with type 2 diabetes can live without realising it, this is because the early symptoms are ordinary or there may be no symptoms at all.

Risk factors

The factors contributing to an increase risk of diabetes type 1 are not as clear cut as those for type 2:

• family history
• environmental factors
• age

The following factors may contribute to an increased risk of diabetes type 2:

• unhealthy diet
• family history of type 2 diabetes
• obesity or being overweight
• being of Asian, Black African or African Caribbean origin
• having high blood pressure
• history of gestational diabetes during pregnancy

Life with diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it is essential to keep a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. You will also have to attend regular checks, including blood test. Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol consumption is also highly advisable.

In type 1 diabetes, insulin injections are required for the rest of your lifetime. Type 2 diabetes can get progressively worse over time therefore medication is typically required in the form of tablets or injections.

Nevertheless, for some people, it is possible to put their type 2 diabetes in remission by losing weight and lowering their blood sugar below the diabetes range. Before attempting any dietary changes, it is necessary to consult your medical team first.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you are at risk from diabetic retinopathy. If left untreated, it can lead to sight loss. That is why it is crucial to have your screening regularly to make sure diabetic retinopathy is detected early. Early diagnosis makes it possible to treat this condition effectively, often stopping it from impacting a person’s vision and preventing it from worsening. See your doctor immediately if you encounter any issues with your sight.

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing foot problems, which can sometimes lead to amputations. However, many of these problems can be prevented by taking good care of your feet and conducting regular checks. Your foot health should be assessed annually by a podiatrist.

Available treatments

Treatments help with managing your condition and will depend on your own individual needs. Your GP or healthcare team will support you to find a suitable treatment for you.

Examples of treatments are insulin, Metformin and other types of diabetes medication. Further options are a bariatric (weight loss) surgery, immunotherapy and technology, such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

Choosing Cavendish Homecare for specialist diabetes homecare means that you will be provided a dedicated team of nurses or carers who have extensive expertise in managing diabetes. We understand that diabetes can be unpredictable, so we provide flexible, comprehensive and responsive support help you maintain the highest quality of care. To learn more about our care services and how we can assist with your needs, please reach out to our team. We are here to discuss further and address any questions or concerns you may have.