What is Diabetes Mellitus?

  • Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood

 

  • The word Diabetes comes from the Greek word for siphon (or to pass through) and the word Mellitus is Latin, meaning honeyed or sweet. This was because in ancient times Diabetes was diagnosed when too much sugar was passing through into the urine of those affected

 

  • There are 2 main types of Diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2

Prediabetes

Where blood sugars are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Prediabetes doesn’t have any symptoms but people with it have a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Being at risk doesn’t mean you will definitely develop Type 2 diabetes but it's a great time to start making healthy changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Eating a healthy diet, being more active and losing weight are great ways of reducing your risk of diabetes.

For self help visit Prediabetes/Diabetes UK

We recommend registering for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

Type 1 Diabetes

The less common type (10% of all Diabetics).

This is an autoimmune disease, where the body mistakenly destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels and Type 1 diabetics need Insulin injections to control blood sugar levels.

This is generally diagnosed in childhood, adolescence and young adults. However it is now known to occur in older people.

Type 1 information from Diabetes UK

Type 1 information from NHS.uk

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common type (90% of all Diabetics).

Diagnosis occurs most frequently in mid to later life - but can occur in all ages.

In Type 2 Diabetes the body becomes resistant to the hormone insulin (which controls blood sugar levels).

This can present with vague symptoms that can be difficult to identify (up to 25% of those with Type 2 diabetes don't know they have it).

Treatment may start with lifestyle changes and tablet medication but insulin injections may be necessary with time.

Type 2 information from Diabetes UK

Type 2 information from NHS.UK

Learning zone

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Click here to head to our learning zone with links to videos and courses designed for non-professionals, to help you get to grips with your diabetes.