Understanding diabetes
Over 2 million people in England are living with diabetes. Many more have the condition but don’t know it. Type 1 and type 2 are the most common forms. The causes of both types are different, but both result in too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's failure to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas to help control levels of sugar in the blood. It's sometimes called juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes because it usually appears before the age of 40.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body not producing enough insulin or not using what it produces effectively. It's the most common form and accounts for around 90% of all diabetes.
Diabetes can increase the risk of developing other conditions, such as heart disease. It can be managed effectively and many people with diabetes lead a healthy, active life.
Diabetes can also occur in pregnancy. This is known as gestational diabetes. Some pregnant women have high levels of glucose in their blood because their bodies do not produce enough insulin to meet the extra demands of pregnancy. It affects less than one in 20 pregnant women and usually disappears after birth. Although women with gestational diabetes are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Use this guide to find out more about diabetes, what you can do, and how the NHS can help.
