Managing your diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood glucose (sugar) levels in people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They are both serious conditions that can lead to serious health complications, but through help and management you can learn to live well with this difficult condition.

Through taking a different approach to your diet, exercise and regular check-ups and monitoring, you can achieve a better quality of life.

Diabetes medication

Type 1 diabetes

With type 1 diabetes you will need to have an insulin injection as your body is not producing enough to manage your blood sugar levels.

Information and advice on type 1 diabetes is available from NHS England and includes information about the under 18s.

Type 2 diabetes

With type 2 diabetes you may have to take a form of medicine especially if it worsens. The best way to deal with type 2 diabetes is through diet and exercise, which can in some cases put the diabetes into remission.

The benefits gained from eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise and keeping to a healthy weight cannot be overstated. By doing this it will help lower your blood sugar and improve your heart health, reduce the stress on your joint, sleep better and fundamentally help keep your diabetes under control. Therefore, you should consider diet and exercise as part of your treatment plan.

Diabetes monitoring check-ups

To monitor your blood sugar levels you will need to test your blood through home testing and through a blood test. It is essential that you keep your regular appointments with your healthcare provider to ensure your condition is monitored.

Read Diabetes UK 15 Healthcare Essentials guide to find out more on monitoring your diabetes.

Diabetes education programme

The Community Diabetes Recommended Education in type 2 Diabetes (CREDIT) programme aims to support you in making decisions about the day-to-day management of your diabetes; whether this is diet, tablet or insulin controlled. Everyone with diabetes is offered an education course when they are diagnosed or soon after, which is free to attend and provided by your local NHS service.

With small groups, the programme is friendly, relaxed and runs locally across mid Essex. It’s free and easy to join and there is no need for your GP to refer, so why not visit the Provide website to find out more.

You can also find a variety of useful resources on the Diabetes UK learning zone.

NHS health check

The NHS Health Check has been specifically designed to identify health risks, like the aforementioned, earlier. This is why it is so important to have your health check. After your health check, you will be given advice on the best action to take to lower any risks and create a healthier lifestyle.