The job of insulin is to allow the glucose (sugar) in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. Because the insulin isn’t working properly the sugar levels keep rising when we eat carbohydrate foods and sugary drinks. Continuous high glucose levels in your blood can cause complications for your heart, kidneys, eyes and feet. The main two types of diabetes are type 1 & 2. It is type 2 that is on the increase and accounts for about 90% of all diabetes cases. It also costs the NHS £25,000 per minute in treating the complications caused by it. Your age, ethnicity, family history, medical conditions and weight may increase your risk. The good news is that you can help yourself to manage your blood glucose levels and lower your risk of heart disease and maybe the need to take medication. Your GP, Practice Nurse, and Local Diabetes Specialists are all here to help. Treatments include eating healthy food, being active by increasing exercise and maintaining a healthy weight and of course not smoking. Medications can be taken by tablet and if needed insulin injections. Structured education is also recommended and Diabetes UK state that “Evidence shows that people who access education and support are more likely to achieve their goals and stick with them”. Diabetes UK is a fantastic long-standing charity for people living with diabetes. Here you will find lots of information with short videos, educational resources, healthy eating tips and interactive tools. On their website is information about two courses DESMOND and X-PERT specifically for people with Type 2 diabetes. Merton has local DESMOND courses which you can attend virtually or face to face. DIABETES INFORMATION Diabetes is a very serious condition when the sugar levels in the blood are too high. This happens because the insulin made by your pancreas can’t work properly or it’s not making enough. Diabetes Do it for life! 18
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