This week is Diabetes Week (10 to 16 June), which is organised by Diabetes UK. It focuses on raising awareness and how it does not need to hold back people who are living with the condition.
There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, but there are also others, including gestational diabetes (which affects some women during pregnancy).
Watch the video below to find out more about the two main types and the main symptoms.
All types of diabetes have one thing in common. Glucose (sugar) cannot reach the body’s cells properly and builds up in the blood.
In the long term, this can cause serious damage to the heart, eyes, feet and kidneys. However, people with diabetes can live well and reduce the risk of these complications with the right care and treatment.
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- Needing to urinate more often
- Being very thirsty
- Cuts are slow to heal
- Weight loss
- Feeling tired
- Blurred eyesight
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your GP.