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A sharp increase in the number of cases of Diabetes (both type 1 and type2)  has prompted Diabetes UK to double their efforts to raise awareness of this potential killer.

Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, chapatis, yams and plantain, from sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver which makes glucose.

Insulin is vital for life. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas, that helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel by the body. The main symptoms of untreated diabetes are increased thirst, going to the loo all the time – especially at night, extreme tiredness, weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush, and blurred vision.

There are two main types of diabetes. These are:

Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin dependent diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin dependent diabetes

Type 1 diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40. It is treated by insulin injections and diet and regular exercise is recommended.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). This type of diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40, though often appears before the age of 40 in South Asian and African-Caribbean people. It is treated by diet and exercise alone or by diet, exercise and tablets or by diet, exercise and insulin injections.

The main aim of treatment of both types of diabetes is to achieve blood glucose and blood pressure levels as near to normal as possible. This, together with a healthy lifestyle, will help to improve well being and protect against long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries.

Managing Diabetes: Blood glucose monitoring is a useful tool for controlling diabetes. It can help to maintain day to day control, detect hypoglycaemia, assess control during any illness, and helps to provide information that can be used in the prevention of long term complications

Many people with Type 2 diabetes take diabetes tablets. They are not the same as insulin. Insulin cannot be taken in tablet form because it would be broken down in the stomach before it could work. Diabetes tablets work by lowering the blood glucose. They do this either by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, or by helping the body to use the insulin that it does produce more effectively.   If you have diabetes, insulin may be a key part of your treatment. Insulin helps your body to use glucose. Different types of insulin can act very differently in different people. Your diabetes care team will tailor your insulin regime to suit you. If it is not suitable, the type or dosage of insulin can be changed. Depending on the type of injection device you use, the insulin will be packaged in vials (bottles), cartridges or prefilled pens. The cartridges are used with pen injectors and the vials are used with syringes. Prefilled pens are disposable pen injectors, which are prefilled with insulin. These are particularly useful for people with visual or dexterity problems.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes you needn’t worry that you’ll have to follow a special diet or give up chocolate. The good news is there is no special diet for people with diabetes.

The healthy diet for people with diabetes is the healthy diet recommended for everyone. Although choosing your food wisely and adopting sensible eating habits can help you manage your diabetes, you can still enjoy a wide variety of foods as part of a balanced diet.

Try to get more active too, not only to control your weight and your diabetes, but to reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. If you are overweight, losing weight will help you control your diabetes. You should aim to lose weight slowly over time rather than by drastic dieting. Even if you don't manage to get to your ideal weight, losing a small amount and keeping it off will help you.

Following the steps and recommendations in this section of the site will help you control your blood glucose levels and blood fats as well as regulate your weight.

Remember: everyone with diabetes should receive dietary information and support. So, if you haven’t already, ask your GP or healthcare team to refer you to a state registered dietician for specific dietary advice that takes your lifestyle and cultural preferences into account.