Diabetes

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    Over 5 million people in the UK are living with diabetes. 850,000 people could be living with diabetes and don’t know they have it. (Diabetes UK research). 

    Speak to your doctor or GP if you are worried about diabetes. There is local help and support available too.

    What is Diabetes?

    Diabetes is a long term health condition where your blood sugar (glucose) level is too high. This can be because your body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone, insulin. Or the insulin it produces doesn’t work well. Or, when your body can’t produce any insulin at all.

    This means your blood sugar levels keep rising. This means more insulin is released. Your blood always has some sugar in it because your body needs sugar for energy to keep you going. However, too much sugar in the blood isn’t good for your health. Sugar is in lots of foods. Your body also turns of starch-based foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, chapatis and yams into sugar.

    High sugar levels in your blood can damage parts of your body, including your eyes, heart and feet. These are called the complications of diabetes. With the medical treatment and regular health checks, you can reduce the risk of these complications. Eating healthily and staying active can help you to live well.

    There are 2 main types of diabetes.  There are lots of different types of diabetes such as gestational diabetes which can develop during pregnancy. There are other types of diabetes related to health conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

    Type 1 diabetes

    Type 1 diabetes: where your blood sugar is too high because your body can’t make a hormone called insulin. The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is not known. It’s often diagnosed in childhood. But it can be diagnosed at any time. You can’t avoid getting type 1 diabetes. Medicine can help you to manage your blood sugar level and live well.

    Type 2 diabetes

    Type 2 diabetes: is when your blood sugar levels are too high. This is because the hormone, insulin, that your body makes no longer works properly. This is known as insulin resistance. Changing your diet can help you to manage your blood sugar levels. Medicine may also be needed.

    Type 2 diabetes can go undiagnosed for years. Some groups of people are more at risk of Type 2 diabetes. This includes people:

    Diabetes UK has a risk tool that can help you understand your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

    There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes. But some people are able to make changes to their lives to put their type 2 diabetes into remission. This can pause your symptoms and prevent new damage to your body.

    Main symptoms of Diabetes

    The main symptoms of diabetes are:

    • being very thirsty
    • needing to wee (urinate) more especially during the night
    • feeling very hungry or very tired
    • losing weight (without trying to)
    • having blurred vision
    • having sores that heal slowly
    • having dry, itchy skin
    • losing the feeling in your feet, or having tingling in the feet
    • having regular episodes of thrush

    Speak to your doctor or GP if you are worried about diabetes. They can arrange a blood test to decide if you have diabetes.

    Looking after yourself with diabetes

    It is important to look after yourself when you have diabetes. Without treatment diabetes can cause serious problems to your eyes, kidneys, nerves, gums, feet and teeth. Read more about the complications of diabetes.

    Regular health checks and blood testing are important to help you to manage your diabetes. Speak to your Doctor or GP to arrange this.

    You can take action to reduce or delay these side effects of diabetes. Read more on InformationNOW about ways to stay healthy:

    You may be eligible for free NHS prescriptions. Read more about Help with health costs and prescriptions.

    Eating well with diabetes

    Eating a balanced diet can help you. Swapping white processed foods for wholegrains and proteins can help to lower your blood sugar levels. includes fruit and vegetables, protein and fibre and less sugar, saturated fat and salt. Avoid sugary drinks and fruit juice as they cause your blood sugar to spike.

    Diabetes UK has a recipe finder and meal planner, to help you find new meals and snacks to try.

    Ramadan and diabetes. Information for people living with diabetes who are thinking about fasting for Ramadan.

    Help and support

    Diabetes UK has a free telephone helpline. Call them for information about diabetes. They will take the time to talk things through and explore emotional, social, psychological or practical difficulties. You don’t need a question about diabetes to call or email them.

    Healthworks support people of all ages to lead a healthier life. The offer type 2 diabetes support. Contact them to arrange a 1 to 1 appointment.  They can help you to be more active. They run food skills sessions to learn healthy and affordable recipes. They can help you give up smoking and improve your mobility. They have 2 accessible gyms and offer fitness classes.

    Diabetes UK Local Support North has a free local Support Group which meets regularly. You can meet other people with diabetes to talk, get information and support. There are groups in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Bedlington. It’s free to take part. They also have a Facebook Chat Group.

    Newcastle Diabetes Centre is based at Newcastle General Hospital. The centre provides specialist services for patients with diabetes, by arrangement by your GP. Speak to your GP if you think a referral to the centre would be help you.

    Gateshead Diabetes UK Support Group is a monthly support group for people living with diabetes. It is one Diabetes UK North local groups that aims to raise awareness, provide support, help, companionship, education, fundraising and information for people living with diabetes their families and carers.

    North of Tyne and Gateshead Diabetic Eye Screening Speak to your GP if you think a referral to the centre would be help you.

    Information in other Languages

    Diabetes UK provides a wide range of information on diabetes in 20 languages.  This includes their Learning Zone with practical advice on diabetes from the experts, and tips from people who have been there too.

    Making sense of diabetes technology guides are available from DigiBete in other languages such as Arabic, Bengali, Chinese and Polish.

    Other useful information

    Health Talk Online

    The Patient Information Centre offers a range of health related information including:

      • medical conditions
      • procedures and treatments
      • details about self help and support groups
      • information about
      • complaints procedures
      • copies of leaflets

    NHS 111 has an online symptoms checker tool. Ring NHS 111 if you  need fast support and advice.  For a medical emergency ring 999.

    NHS.UK is a website providing health and medicines information and you can search for local services.

    You may be eligible for free NHS prescriptions.  Check on the NHS BSA eligibility checker.

    Please note – The content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you are feeling unwell, make an appointment to see your GP or contact NHS 111. In an emergency, dial 999.

    Last updated: December 20, 2024