November 14th marks World Diabetes Day, a global effort to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on millions of people worldwide. Diabetes is a serious condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose), and can lead to complications like heart disease, vision loss, and kidney problems if not properly managed.
On this day, we focus on understanding the different types of diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes—and the importance of early detection, lifestyle changes, and effective management. With the right care, people with diabetes can live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Type 1 Diabetes
This is a lifelong condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes
Where the body does not produce enough insulin. Or, the body’s cells do not react to insulin properly.
Gestational diabetes
This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin to meet the increased needs during pregnancy, leading to higher-than-normal blood sugar levels. While gestational diabetes typically develops in the second or third trimester, it usually goes away after the baby is born.
What are the symptoms?
- Increased thirst
- Peeing more frequently
- Blurred vision
- Itching and increased episodes of thrush
- Feeling very tired
- Weight loss
If you experience any of the above symptoms, please book into see your GP asap.
Visit Diabetes – NHS for further information.