Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high.

There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body’s cells don't react to insulin. This means that glucose stays in the blood and isn't used as fuel for energy.
The high blood sugar level makes you:

• feel thirsty

• pee more than usual, particularly at night

• feel tired all the time

 

Diabetes can cause serious long-term health problems. It's the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in people of working age. Everyone with diabetes aged 12 or over should be invited to have their eyes screened once a

year for diabetic retinopathy.
Diabetes is also responsible for most cases of kidney failure and lower limb amputation (other than accidents).

People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to have cardiovascular disease (such as a stroke) than those without diabetes.

What you can do?
If you're at risk of type 2 diabetes, you may be able to prevent it developing by making lifestyle changes.
You should:

• eat a healthy, balanced diet

• lose weight (if you're overweight) and maintain a healthy weight

• stop smoking (if you smoke)

• drink alcohol in moderation

• take plenty of regular exercise

 

If you already have type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to control your symptoms by making the above changes.

This will also minimize your risk of developing complications.

 

Symptoms of diabetes

The common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes are:

• polydipsia

• polyuria

• polyphagia

• fatigue

• weight loss

• blurred vision

• slow healing

• genital itching

• dizziness

• nausea

 

Symptoms of high blood sugar
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is common amongst diabetics.
It occurs when a diabetic person eats too much food, and has too little insulin to regulate their blood sugar.

Sometimes stress can cause diabetes.
Being aware of the following symptoms and staying alert for their presence, whether you are a diabetic or a family member or friend, should be essential:

• Need for frequent urination

• Drowsiness

• Nausea

• Extreme hunger and/or thirst

• Blurring of the vision

• Symptoms of low blood sugar

 

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when a diabetic has not eaten enough food, or has too much insulin within his or her body. An excessive amount of exercise can also cause low blood sugar levels.
Being aware of the following symptoms and staying alert for their presence, whether you are a diabetic or a family member or friend, should be essential:

• Shaking

• Fast heartbeat

• Sweating

• Anxiety

• Dizziness

• Extreme hunger

• Weakness and tiredness

• Irritability

 

Our support and care

George Springall Homecare provides dedicated and experienced staff to help you maintain your quality of life and support you and your family through the difficult times. We create a specialized care plan that focuses on meeting all your needs. We support you set up realistic goals you wish to achieve and we are there to help when ever you need through out your journey to achieving your goals.

This might include:

• helping with personal care and getting you ready for the day or for a good night sleep

• catheter care and continence management to maintain your dignity and comfort

• prompting or administering your medication to manage your symptoms

• prompting or assisting with blood sugar level management

• assisting with nutrition and hydration to keep you healthy

• assisting with routine household chores and shopping so your home life is as you would like it to be

• emotional or social support to keep you connected to the people who are important to you

• support with rehabilitation to get back to a normal life and independence

 

Further information and support is available from the Diabetes.co.uk

 

Contact us to discuss a Diabetes care and support service for you.