Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that happens when the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood is too high because your body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from eating starchy foods like bread, rice, potatoes, chapattis, yams, sugar and sweet foods. Your liver also makes glucose. Insulin, a chemical produced by your pancreas, controls your glucose levels. It is a “key” that your body uses to unlock your body’s cells so that they can use glucose for energy.

When you have diabetes, you do not have enough insulin “keys” or the insulin does not work properly, so the glucose stays in your blood. High blood glucose is called hypoglycaemia.

Two types of diabetes are most common:

Type 1 diabetes

Your body does not make any insulin. This means that you need to take insulin every day, either from injections or an insulin pump.

Type 2 diabetes

Your body has difficulty using the insulin it makes, or your body can’t make enough insulin.

This is the most common type of diabetes and usually appears over the age of 40, although some children and younger adults can also develop it. In South Asian and African-Caribbean people it often appears before the age of 25.

Type 2 diabetes tends to run in families. Being overweight and not exercising can increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

How do I know if I have diabetes?

The signs to look out for are:

• You often feel very thirsty
• You need to pee a lot (especially at night)
• You have blurred vision
• You often feel sleepy or very tired
• You have thrush regularly
• You lose weight without trying
• You often feel very hungry

How can Birmingham OwnHealth help me with my diabetes?

With the support of your Care Manager, you can:

• Know when to call for help
• Learn about your diabetes and set goals
• Take your diabetes medications correctly
• Get the tests and services you need
• Take steps to control your diabetes
• Make lifestyle changes to feel better
• Learn ways to solve problems
• Keep your appointments

Useful links

• Equip
  NHS website with links to information-rich websites and a list of support groups and services related to diabetes. The websites have been accredited by staff at NHS West Midlands and are aimed at the public
• Smokefree West Midlands
  NHS stop smoking advice and support in Birmingham.
• Diabetes UK
  Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people with diabetes, funding research, campaigning and helping people live with the condition, and runs local Diabetic Support Groups.
• Diabetes Support
  An online community to exchange your experiences and knowledge with other people with diabetes, their families and carers.
• Birmingham LINk
  Birmingham Local Involvement Network (LINk) helps local people and organisations to speak with one voice, influencing key decision makers in improving health and social care service provision across the city. You can support Birmingham LINk by becoming an active member and letting them know about the issues affecting your community.