There are different types of diabetes. The type you have developed needs diet and insulin treatment.

Why me?

At least two people in every hundred in this country have diabetes. You were born with a chance of developing diabetes, and something acted to cause it to develop. Things like viruses have been suggested. No-one really know yet what causes diabetes.

Diabetes is not catching! It is NOT caused by eating too many sweets!

What is Insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a gland which lies behind the stomach. Insulin allows the sugar that your body makes from some foods to be used as energy. Insulin can only be given by injection, as your stomach juices would destroy the insulin if you took it by mouth.

What are the main symptoms of diabetes?

What happens next?

Insulin, along with some changes in your eating habits, will bring your blood sugar levels down and make you feel better. Although you may experience light-headedness and blurred vision at first, these symptoms will lessen with time. Do not consider getting glasses or having a change in your prescription until you have been on treatment for your diabetes for 3 months.

How to monitor your diabetes

Many people with diabetes test their own blood sugar levels and learn to alter their insulin doses to achieve better control of their diabetes. A blood sugar is the amount of glucose sugar in your blood. It is often tested using a finger prick sample. The range of people who do not have diabetes is 3 to 8 millimoles per litre of blood (mmol/l).

The levels you should aim for are

  before meals
  two hours after a meal.

What is a high blood sugar?

High blood sugar or hyperglycaemia is what you had when your diabetes was diagnosed. It can also happen with Illness or infection Eating too much carbohydrate Injecting too little insulin Stress

What is a low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar, hypoglycaemia or "hypos", will sometimes happen: you should talk about this with your diabetes nurse or doctor. You will need to know how to prevent your blood sugars dropping too low and how to treat hypos.

What to eat

It is not necessary to buy diabetes foods - you do not need them. You can eat the same healthy food (high fibre, low fat, low sugar) recommended for everyone nowadays. You and your diabetes care team will discuss ways to best fit diabetes into your lifestyle, such as an eating plan and monitoring your diabetes. If you have any questions about living with diabetes, do ask them.

Illness

Illness and infections should be treated quickly.

Never stop your insulin

Even if you are unable to eat properly due to an illness your body needs insulin to carry on working properly. Contact the numbers shown overleaf if you are worried. Insulin and some diabetes equipment are available free on prescription. You will also be exempt from all other prescription charges.