Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus. There are two types of diabetes - type 1 and type 2.
According to the charity Diabetes UK, more than two million people in the UK have the condition and up to 750,000 more are believed to have it without realising they do.
More than three-quarters of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes mellitus. This used to be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity-onset diabetes mellitus. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing as it commoner in the overweight and obese, which is itself a growing problem.
The remainder have type 1 diabetes mellitus, which used to be known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
What's the treatment for diabetes?
It's recognised that the sooner the blood sugar levels are brought under control, the better the long term prospects of preventing damage. Lifestyle advice about diet, weight management and regular activity is the first step.
Type 1 diabetes will require immediate insulin therapy, Type 2 diabetes will first be managed with a drug called Metformin, if lifestyle changes alone aren't effective. There are now several other drugs used in type 2 diabetes, although eventually some type 2 diabetics will need insulin therapy as it's a progressive disease
Diabetes UK - How to take a blood glucose test
There is further information and education on the Diabetes UK Video Site
Useful Links
Websites last accessed July 2021. Loanhead Medical Practice cannot take responsibly for any broken links or advertisements.
Type 1 diabetes - DIABETES UK
If you have Type 1 Diabetes you will be seen mainly at the hospital clinic at the Western General or Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.
Type 2 Diabetes and prevention DIABETES UK
Do you have Type 2 Diabetes? Try the following:
MyDiabetesMyWay an interactive resource to help you manage diabetes
MyDesmond Prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes
Living with Type 2 diabetes NHS Lothian Booklet 7th Edition
Tablets and Medication for diabetes DIABETES UK
Diabetic eye screening NHS inform
Foot care information
Type 2 Diabetes Remission
There is a lot of emerging evidence and ground breaking research about diabetes remission (getting your blood sugar levels back to normal and sometimes stopping medication) through different lifestyle approaches and programmes supported by doctors, nurses and dietitians. See the information below. Do speak to your Practice Nurse or GP before making any significant changes to your diet if you are diabetic, especially if you are taking medication.
Type 2 diabetes REMISSION DIABETES UK
What is diabetes remission DIABETES UK video
NHS Lothian Weight Management and Type 2 Diabetes Remission and Prevention ***NEW July 2021***
Public Health Collaboration Lots of useful information and diet information booklets
Pre-diabetes and prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Have you been told you have “pre-diabetes” or Impaired Glucose Tolerance?
Impaired glucose tolerance (sometimes called pre-diabetes) means that your blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to have diabetes.
The following resources are helpful to help you understand the problem and what can be done about it.
DIABETES UK Pre-diabetes
Diabetes UK - know your risk for Type 2 Diabetes
My Diabetes My Way - a useful learning tool to learn about pre-diabetes
Patient.info - Pre-diabetes
Public Health Collaboration Lots of useful information and diet information booklets
NHS Lothian Weight Management and Type 2 Diabetes Remission and Prevention ***NEW July 2021***
PATIENT SELF-REFERRAL FORM NHS Lothian Adult Weight Management and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes
Dietary advice and links to recipes
DIABETES UK Food Labels Made Easy
Portion size matters DIABETES UK
Exercise is medicine!
Take up some regular exercise - this doesn't need to be at the gym or running. Simply walking or doing some exercise in your living room counts!
The following on YouTube are great for exercising at home no matter what your age or ability!
10 minute chair-based workout - The Body Coach TV (Joe Wicks) YouTube
10 minute home workout for seniors - The Body Coach TV (Joe Wicks) YouTube
British Heart Foundation - 10 minute living room workout – YouTube (simple and great for beginners)
HITT (high intensity interval training) for beginners - YouTube
Popsugar Fitness - for beginners
Walk at home with Leslie Sansone You Tube lots of walking workouts to do in your front room.
The girl with the pilates mat You Tube a beginners Pilates workout
Team Body Project beginners low impact YouTube
(plus many many more if you search online!!)
Exercise opportunities in Midlothian
Want to know your measurements?
Body Mass Index calculator NHS
How to measure your waist circumference
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.