Challenges of Diabetes
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Many people don't realise the severity of diabetes, the daily challenges it presents, and the potential long-term complications it can cause. Unless you have diabetes yourself or know someone living with it, it's hard to appreciate the constant battle involved.
There are 2 main types of Diabetes which we hear mostly about, however there are actually around 9 other types!
It is important to remember that any information shared does not replace that of your medical professional. If you have any concerns, experiencing any symptoms or are unwell please seek advice from your Doctor.
There are 2 main types of Diabetes which we hear mostly about, however there are actually around 9 other types!
It is important to remember that any information shared does not replace that of your medical professional. If you have any concerns, experiencing any symptoms or are unwell please seek advice from your Doctor.
Challenges of Diabetes
Subtitle
Diabetes is often underestimated, but it presents daily challenges and serious long-term risks. Unless you live with it or know someone who does, it’s hard to grasp the constant battle involved.
While Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are the most well-known, there are actually around nine other types! Remember, any information shared is for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns, symptoms, or feel unwell, always seek guidance from your doctor
While Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes are the most well-known, there are actually around nine other types! Remember, any information shared is for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns, symptoms, or feel unwell, always seek guidance from your doctor
Understanding the different types of Diabetes
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Understanding the different types of Diabetes
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There are two main types of diabetes that most people are familiar with: Type 1 and Type 2. However, diabetes is a much more complex condition, and there are actually around 9 other types of diabetes that are less commonly discussed but equally important to understand.
Main Types:
1. Type 1 Diabetes:
An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Typically diagnosed in children and young adults, but can occur at any age.
2. Type 2 Diabetes:
A condition characterised by insulin resistance and often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. It is more common in adults but is increasingly being diagnosed in younger populations.
Other Types:
1. Gestational Diabetes:
Develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. It increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
2. Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY):
A group of several genetic mutations that affect insulin production. Usually diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood.
3. Neonatal Diabetes:
A rare form that appears in the first six months of life. It is often due to genetic mutations and can be transient or permanent.
4. LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults):
Sometimes referred to as Type 1.5 diabetes, it is a form of Type 1 diabetes that occurs in adults and progresses slowly.
5. Secondary Diabetes:
Occurs as a result of another medical condition, such as pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis, or due to the use of certain medications.
6. Steroid-Induced Diabetes:
Can develop in individuals who take steroids for a prolonged period. This type usually resolves once the steroid treatment is stopped.
7. Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD):
A combination of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that occurs in individuals with cystic fibrosis due to damage to the pancreas.
8. Monogenic Diabetes:
Resulting from mutations in a single gene, monogenic diabetes includes forms like MODY and neonatal diabetes. It can run in families and is often misdiagnosed as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
9. Wolfram Syndrome:
A rare genetic disorder that leads to diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness. Also known as DIDMOAD.
Understanding these different types of diabetes is crucial as each requires a unique approach to management and treatment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with diabetes, it's important to work with healthcare providers to identify the type and develop a personalised care plan.
Main Types:
1. Type 1 Diabetes:
An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Typically diagnosed in children and young adults, but can occur at any age.
2. Type 2 Diabetes:
A condition characterised by insulin resistance and often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. It is more common in adults but is increasingly being diagnosed in younger populations.
Other Types:
1. Gestational Diabetes:
Develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. It increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
2. Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY):
A group of several genetic mutations that affect insulin production. Usually diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood.
3. Neonatal Diabetes:
A rare form that appears in the first six months of life. It is often due to genetic mutations and can be transient or permanent.
4. LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults):
Sometimes referred to as Type 1.5 diabetes, it is a form of Type 1 diabetes that occurs in adults and progresses slowly.
5. Secondary Diabetes:
Occurs as a result of another medical condition, such as pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis, or due to the use of certain medications.
6. Steroid-Induced Diabetes:
Can develop in individuals who take steroids for a prolonged period. This type usually resolves once the steroid treatment is stopped.
7. Cystic Fibrosis-Related Diabetes (CFRD):
A combination of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes that occurs in individuals with cystic fibrosis due to damage to the pancreas.
8. Monogenic Diabetes:
Resulting from mutations in a single gene, monogenic diabetes includes forms like MODY and neonatal diabetes. It can run in families and is often misdiagnosed as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
9. Wolfram Syndrome:
A rare genetic disorder that leads to diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness. Also known as DIDMOAD.
Understanding these different types of diabetes is crucial as each requires a unique approach to management and treatment. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with diabetes, it's important to work with healthcare providers to identify the type and develop a personalised care plan.
Type 1 Diabetes in-depth
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Type 1 Diabetes in-depth
Subtitle
We all need insulin to live. It does an essential job of allowing the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune condition where the body attacks the cells in the pancreas that make the insulin, meaning it can’t produce any at all.
There is no known cause and currently no cure meaning people with Type 1 diabetes have to give themselves, multiple insulin doses to stay well and alive! It cannot be ingested therefore insulin injections or an insulin delivery device is necessary. Together with frequent blood glucose monitoring.
It is a constant balancing act. Too much or too little insulin can be dangerous and factors such as activity levels and carbohydrate content in foods and drinks have to be taken into account also. Things like stress, emotions, hormones and the weather can also affect glucose levels!
Symptoms for Type 1 Diabetes:
The 4 T's... most obvious symptoms to look out for:
THIRSTY | TOILET | TIREDNESS | THINNER
There is no known cause and currently no cure meaning people with Type 1 diabetes have to give themselves, multiple insulin doses to stay well and alive! It cannot be ingested therefore insulin injections or an insulin delivery device is necessary. Together with frequent blood glucose monitoring.
It is a constant balancing act. Too much or too little insulin can be dangerous and factors such as activity levels and carbohydrate content in foods and drinks have to be taken into account also. Things like stress, emotions, hormones and the weather can also affect glucose levels!
Symptoms for Type 1 Diabetes:
The 4 T's... most obvious symptoms to look out for:
THIRSTY | TOILET | TIREDNESS | THINNER
Type 2 Diabetes in-depth
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Type 2 Diabetes in-depth
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Around 90% of people in the UK with diabetes have Type 2. It is a serious condition and if not treated, can lead to damage and complications with other parts of the body.
What does it mean?
We all need insulin to live. It allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. When you have Type 2 diabetes, your body still breaks down carbohydrate from your food and drink and turns it into glucose. The pancreas then responds to this by releasing insulin. But because this insulin can’t work properly, your blood glucose levels keep rising and the pancreas releases more insulin. This can cause it to eventually tire and in turn produce less and less insulin.
Can Type 2 be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, but some individuals are able to put their diabetes into remission. This means that your blood glucose levels are healthy and you don’t need to take diabetes medication any more. Remission can be life-changing, but it’s not possible for everyone.
What does it mean?
We all need insulin to live. It allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies. When you have Type 2 diabetes, your body still breaks down carbohydrate from your food and drink and turns it into glucose. The pancreas then responds to this by releasing insulin. But because this insulin can’t work properly, your blood glucose levels keep rising and the pancreas releases more insulin. This can cause it to eventually tire and in turn produce less and less insulin.
Can Type 2 be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Type 2 diabetes, but some individuals are able to put their diabetes into remission. This means that your blood glucose levels are healthy and you don’t need to take diabetes medication any more. Remission can be life-changing, but it’s not possible for everyone.
If you have diabetes, it is so important for your long term health that you attend all appointments offered to you for checks and reviews.
Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to other problems and in some cases can be life threatening. If you are experiencing any symptoms seek medical advice immediately.
Managing diabetes properly is vital for long-term health, so it’s important to attend all scheduled check-ups and reviews.
Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to serious complications, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. If you experience symptoms, seek medical advice without delay.
Undiagnosed diabetes can lead to serious complications, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening. If you experience symptoms, seek medical advice without delay.
Pre-diabetes
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More people are learning they have pre-diabetes. While there's no specific 'pre-diabetes diet,' our overall food and drink can affect our risk of Type 2 diabetes.
What does it mean?
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugars are higher than usual but not high enough for Type 2 diabetes. It also means you're at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that without changes to your diet and lifestyle, you could develop Type 2. The good news is you don't have it yet, and there are many ways to prevent or delay it! Being at risk doesn't mean you'll definitely develop Type 2 diabetes. Now is a great time to start making healthy lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
What can I do?
Key factors in reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes are managing your weight, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and being more active. If you need to lose weight, find what works best for you. Making healthier food choices and being more active are positive steps.
We at Dizzy can assist you and point you in the right direction.
What does it mean?
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugars are higher than usual but not high enough for Type 2 diabetes. It also means you're at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that without changes to your diet and lifestyle, you could develop Type 2. The good news is you don't have it yet, and there are many ways to prevent or delay it! Being at risk doesn't mean you'll definitely develop Type 2 diabetes. Now is a great time to start making healthy lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
What can I do?
Key factors in reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes are managing your weight, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and being more active. If you need to lose weight, find what works best for you. Making healthier food choices and being more active are positive steps.
We at Dizzy can assist you and point you in the right direction.
Pre-diabetes
Subtitle
More people are learning they have pre-diabetes. While there's no specific 'pre-diabetes diet,' our overall food and drink can affect our risk of Type 2 diabetes.
What does it mean?
Pre-diabetes means your blood sugars are higher than usual but not high enough for Type 2 diabetes. It also means you're at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that without changes to your diet and lifestyle, you could develop Type 2. The good news is you don't have it yet, and there are many ways to prevent or delay it! Being at risk doesn't mean you'll definitely develop Type 2 diabetes. Now is a great time to start making healthy lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.
What can I do?
Key factors in reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes are managing your weight, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and being more active. If you need to lose weight, find what works best for you. Making healthier food choices and being more active are positive steps.
We at Dizzy can assist you and point you in the right direction.
How dizzy can help?
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How dizzy can help?
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At dizzy, we believe that no one should face diabetes alone. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and support they need to manage their condition and lead fulfilling lives. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years, dizzy is here to help. We are committed to providing comprehensive resources, educational programmes, and a supportive community to ensure that everyone affected by diabetes has the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.
For many newly diagnosed, it means making significant life changes and medication for the rest of their lives.
We at dizzy are here to help these people with the transition, providing relevant and easy-to-understand information and ongoing support to the individual and their carer/family. dizzy offers a wealth of knowledge and skills. We provide 1-2-1 support and information services, support/peer-to-peer groups, food education, and fitness advice. Or quite simply, an ear to listen if that is what is needed.
We have people on our team who are living with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, so we have first-hand experience of the challenges living with diabetes can present.
Our shop acts as a drop-in centre, where people can chat and pick up relevant information and leaflets. A new diagnosis can be a very overwhelming and scary prospect, as can the day-to-day living with it. Our service is available to people living with diabetes and their carer/loved ones/friends who would like to know more to help and support.
For many newly diagnosed, it means making significant life changes and medication for the rest of their lives.
We at dizzy are here to help these people with the transition, providing relevant and easy-to-understand information and ongoing support to the individual and their carer/family. dizzy offers a wealth of knowledge and skills. We provide 1-2-1 support and information services, support/peer-to-peer groups, food education, and fitness advice. Or quite simply, an ear to listen if that is what is needed.
We have people on our team who are living with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, so we have first-hand experience of the challenges living with diabetes can present.
Our shop acts as a drop-in centre, where people can chat and pick up relevant information and leaflets. A new diagnosis can be a very overwhelming and scary prospect, as can the day-to-day living with it. Our service is available to people living with diabetes and their carer/loved ones/friends who would like to know more to help and support.
Sir Frederick Banting
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Sir Frederick Banting
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Sir Frederick Banting was a Canadian doctor and researcher who made a huge impact on the world by co-discovering insulin in 1921. Working with his colleagues Charles Best, John Macleod, and James Collip at the University of Toronto, Banting’s discovery turned diabetes from a death sentence into a manageable condition. For this incredible achievement, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1923 at the young age of 32, making him one of the youngest recipients ever. Banting’s work has saved countless lives and continues to be celebrated to this day.
Jane's Story
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For a personal perspective on living with Type 1 Diabetes, check out Jane Chaffer’s inspiring story.
Read Jane's story here: My Type 1 Diabetes Story – by Jane Chaffer
Jane's Story
Subtitle
For a personal perspective on living with Type 1 Diabetes, check out Jane Chaffer’s inspiring story.
Read Jane's story here: My Type 1 Diabetes Story – by Jane Chaffer
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Your Donations
Can make a real difference so we thank you for your generosity.
Or, if you prefer, you may make a donation in our shop!