Most people have heard about diabetes. And, with 3.5 million people diagnosed in the UK many of us will know a friend or family member living with diabetes.

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly.

It develops when glucose can’t enter the body’s cells to be used as fuel. This happens when either:

  • there is no insulin to unlock the cells (Type 1 diabetes)
  • there is not enough insulin or the insulin is there but not working properly (Type 2 diabetes)

Diabetes can cause serious long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease, vision loss and kidney failure.

Currently, more than 60,000 people in Derbyshire have Type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable through lifestyle changes, and 70,000 more are thought to be at high risk of developing it.

The most common symptoms of diabetes include:

  • going to the toilet a lot, especially at night.
  • being really thirsty
  • feeling more tired than usual
  • losing weight without trying to
  • genital itching or thrush
  • cuts and wounds take longer to heal
  • blurred vision

If you have any of the above symptoms you should contact your GP.

It doesn’t necessarily mean you have diabetes, but it’s worth checking – early diagnosis and treatment are vital to reduce the chances of developing serious complications.

NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

Patients at high risk of Type 2 diabetes in Derby and Derbyshire can take part in an NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme to help patients change their lifestyles.

Find out more about the Type 2 diabetes prevention programme available in Derbyshire.

Some of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes – such as age, ethnic background, or family history – can’t be changed, but others can.

Eating more healthily and getting more exercise are some of the main things you can do to help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Physical activity can reduce your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes by up to 40 per cent as well as reduce the risk of other health conditions.

Diabetes Education Service

If you have type 2 diabetes and want to learn how to manage your condition better, you can ask your GP or Practice Nurse to refer you onto a FREE education programme with the Diabetes Education Service.

This can help you to learn more about the condition and how to manage it better yourself. 

The Diabetes Education Service is for people in Derbyshire and Derbyshire who have type 2 diabetes. They offer:

  • free, friendly and interactive courses to help you live well with type 2 diabetes.
  • courses led by a qualified and experienced Diabetes Educator.
  • group sessions with up to 15 people.
  • daytime, evening and weekend courses.
  • you can choose the course that's right for you

For more information:

Email: dchst.diabetesT2education@nhs.net

Tel: 01773 525029

Or visit the diabetes education website.

Get more advice and help on managing diabetes.