Diabetes Awareness

Type 1 Diabetes: 

If you have type 1 diabetes, your blood sugar is too high because your body can’t make insulin. Diabetes complications can seriously affect parts of your body, including your eyes, feet and heart

Fewer than one in 10 people in the UK who have diabetes have type 1 diabetes. There is nothing you can do to prevent yourself or others developing type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood, although people can develop type 1 diabetes at any age. You are at a slightly higher risk of type 1 diabetes if a family member has it.

Type 2 Diabetes:

About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes. The signs may not be obvious, or there may be no signs at all. Some people can live with it for years before being diagnosed. That’s why it’s very important to know the diabetes risk factors. 

Try out this Know Your Risk Tool today!

There’s also some risk specific resources that can be downloaded, or hardcopies ordered here

Other resources here that you might find useful can be found here

Have you heard about the type 2 diabetes Skills for Living course for people with a learning disability and autistic people, which has been developed in the North East and Cumbria?

This course is delivered in local areas through place based commissioning in the North east and North Cumbria via self-advocacy organisations. The course is a train the trainer model and is delivered by a specially trained facilitator and a peer facilitator(s) (person with a learning disability), a model of co-delivery which is both unique and highly effective. Initially piloted in Newcastle, it is currently being rolled out in South Tyneside and delivery starts in County Durham from September 2023. You can watch a short video about the programme and the impact it can have here. If you want more information about the course and how it was developed, or are interested in bringing the programme to your own area please contact Emma Cheetham

How we’re working to tackle diabetes stigma

Stigma can take many forms and happens in all walks of life – from myths and misconceptions about diabetes to negative behaviour towards those living with the condition, and it can have a serious impact on people’s overall health and wellbeing. Find out more about people’s experiences of diabetes stigma and our work to combat it here

You can also check out the seventh episode of our podcast, Diabetes Discussions: Stigma. Our very own Jack Woodfield is joined by Jim (living with type 1) and Nicki (living with type 2) who share their experiences of feeling different, reactions from friends and healthcare professionals, and redefining how they look at diabetes. Join us at www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/podcasts/stigma or wherever you usually get your podcasts.