An overview of diabetes
Table of Contents
Key takeaways
- Diabetes means blood glucose is too high because insulin is absent, insufficient, or not working effectively.
- The main types are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes; each needs different assessment and management.
- Symptoms such as persistent thirst, passing urine more often, tiredness or unexplained weight loss should be checked promptly.
- Long-term management is individualised and may include education, food and activity support, glucose monitoring and medicines.
Overview
Diabetes is a long-term condition in which blood glucose, often called blood sugar, becomes too high. Glucose is an important fuel, but it needs insulin to move from the bloodstream into cells. When the body does not make enough insulin, makes none, or cannot use insulin effectively, glucose can build up in the blood.
Main types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is usually caused by an autoimmune process that damages the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is commonly linked with insulin resistance, where the body still makes insulin but the signal does not work well enough. Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually improves after birth, although it can increase future type 2 diabetes risk.
- Type 1 diabetes usually needs insulin treatment.
- Type 2 diabetes may be managed with lifestyle changes, medicines and sometimes insulin.
- Gestational diabetes needs pregnancy-specific monitoring and care.
Symptoms to know about
Common symptoms include feeling very thirsty, passing urine more often, feeling very tired and losing weight without trying. Some people, especially with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes, may have few or no obvious symptoms, so testing matters when risk is higher.
Management and follow-up
Diabetes care is usually built around education, agreed glucose targets, cardiovascular risk reduction, foot checks, eye screening where eligible, and review of treatment. Treatment decisions should be personalised with a clinician, especially during pregnancy, illness or medication changes.
When to seek medical advice
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or use NHS 111 if you or a child has symptoms of diabetes. Seek urgent help for severe drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, deep or fast breathing, or signs of dehydration, as these can be serious in diabetes.
Sources
- NHS, Diabetes: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/
Relevance: NHS explains the main diabetes types, common symptoms, causes, treatment themes and long-term complication risks. - NICE NG28, Type 2 diabetes in adults: management: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng28
Relevance: NICE provides UK clinical guidance on education, dietary advice, blood glucose management, medicines and complications in adults with type 2 diabetes. - NICE NG17, Type 1 diabetes in adults: diagnosis and management: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng17
Relevance: NICE provides UK clinical guidance on diagnosis, education, insulin therapy, glucose management and complications in adults with type 1 diabetes.
Disclaimer
Educational only. Results vary. Not a cure. Use NHS 111 for urgent advice if symptoms are severe, sudden or worrying. Call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.
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