Diabetes

So What is Diabetes Anyway?

The full name is Diabetes Mellitus and it affects over 2 million people in the UK. There are two types of Diabetes:

Type 1 is the more common and means that your body does not produce insulin so it needs to be given by injection.

Type 2 means that your body still has insulin producing cells and often only needs tablets to help the body use this insulin better.

As Type 1 is the more common we are going to focus on this, but follow the links at the end of this page if you have Type 2.

So what does insulin do?

DiabetesInsulin is a hormone inside your body that controls the amount of glucose (body fuel) in your blood. It is produced by a gland called the pancreas which sits just behind your stomach.

Glucose gives your body energy and insulin acts as a key to allow glucose into the cells. The cells then use the glucose as fuel for your body.

Where does glucose come from?

Glucose comes from food – either from sweet foods or starchy foods like potatoes, cereals, pasta or bread.

What does diabetes mean?

In people with Diabetes the glucose is not turned into the energy needed by your body because the insulin is not there to act as the key and the glucose cannot enter the cells. If this happens your body will break down stores of fat and protein to use this as energy which may cause you to lose weight. The glucose that cannot be used will end up in your urine (wee) and can make you want to go to the toilet more often and be very thirsty.

How do I give myself injections?

  • It is best to use an area with plenty of fatty tissue such as stomach, arms, tops of thighs or bottom
  • It is better to inject yourself quickly
  • If injections are painful you can numb the area with some ice just beforehand
  • Do not use a blunt needle and change the needle frequently on your pen if you use one.

Remember to use different sites each time as injecting in the same place can cause small bumps under the skin and cause the insulin to be less effective.

What is blood sugar testing all about?

Testing your blood sugar is the only effective way to know what your level is and is the best way to keep in control of your Diabetes and keep yourself healthy. You should have been shown how your blood sugar meter works but if you are unsure ask your Diabetes Nurse or Doctor to explain again. Blood sugar levels should be between 4-7 mmols before a meal and less than 10 mmols two hours after you have eaten. More than 10 mmols means there is too much glucose in your blood and less than 4 mmols means there is not enough.

What is a Hypo?

The word Hypo stands for hypoglycaemia and happens when the blood glucose level drops too low. A Hypo is more likely to happen when you have:

  • Missed a meal or snack
  • Delayed having a meal
  • Not eaten enough carbohydrate food at the last meal
  • Carried out strenuous exercise without taking extra carbohydrate or reducing insulin intake
  • Been in the sun or a hot bath which can affect he rate of insulin absorption
  • Drunk too much alcohol.

Common Symptoms

  • Feeling shaky
  • Sweating
  • Hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Blurred vision
  • Pins and needles
  • Loss of concentration
  • Headaches
  • Tearful
  • Increase in heart rate
  • Stroppy

If you have a Hypo eat or drink something sugary like a glucose tablet or a fizzy drink / lucozade. This will raise your blood sugar level. Sit down and relax until you feel better. Have a sandwich or a snack until your next meal so you do not have another Hypo.

DO A BLOOD TEST IF YOU STILL FEEL UNWELL

Remember, if you have diabetes its important to stay healthy- so why not check out the healthy eating and exercise, drugs, alcohol and smoking and general health pages on this site?

Links

info@diabetes.org.uk
careline@diabetes.org.uk
www.diabetes.org.uk
www.seahawks.co.uk (Local Hampshire Group)
www.kidsdiabetes.org.uk
www.childrenwithdiabetes.com
www.doh.gov.uk/nsf/diabetes
www.grandmasandy.com
www.diabetesnow.co.uk
www.thinklikeapancreas.com
www.diabetesteentalk.com

Useful Portsmouth City Information

St Mary’s Hospital
Milton Road
Portsmouth
PO3 6AD
02392 286000

Queen Alexandra Hospital
Southwick Hill Road
Cosham
Portsmouth
PO6 3LY
02392 286000

Diabetes UK South East (covers Hampshire)
Blenheim House
1 Blenheim Road
Epsom
Surrey
KT19 9AP
01372 720148
southeast@diabetes.org.uk

Specialist Nursing Team
Carol Newman & Vicky McLellan
02392 286000 ext 3445