Setting the record straight on Diabetes

Sunday 12 June to Saturday 18 June 2016

Just about everyone has heard about diabetes. And, with 3.5 million people diagnosed in the UK and a further 549,000 who have the condition but don’t yet know it, most of us know a friend or family member living with diabetes. And yet it’s still hugely misunderstood, and there are so many myths and misconceptions out there that this year, the theme is Setting the record straight. 

This Diabetes Week we are calling on everyone we know to share straight talking stories, facts and videos to let everyone know the truth about diabetes.

We’re focusing on what it’s actually like to live with it every day and talking about the things people with diabetes wish everyone knew about living with the condition.

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly.

• Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter the body’s cells, where it is used as fuel for energy so we can work, play and generally live our lives. It is vital for life.
• Glucose comes from digesting carbohydrate and is also produced by the liver.
• If you have diabetes, your body cannot make proper use of this glucose so it builds up in the blood and can’t be used as fuel.
• There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

 

This is because your pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin, or not enough insulin, to help glucose enter your body’s cells – or the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).

Diabetes develops when glucose can’t enter the body’s cells to be used as fuel. This happens when either:

• There is no insulin to unlock the cells (Type 1)
• There is not enough insulin or the insulin is there but not
  working properly (Type 2)

Being diagnosed with diabetes, or knowing someone who is diagnosed with the condition, may throw up many questions about how it fits into your daily life, from how it makes you feel to managing diabetes at work

One of the most difficult things to come to terms with is that diabetes is for life. In the weeks and months after being diagnosed with diabetes, emotions are often pushed to one side as you try to get to grips with new treatments and changing your lifestyle. Everyone reacts differently when they hear the news. You may be overwhelmed, shocked, afraid, angry and anxious. Some people go through a stage very similar to mourning – as though they are grieving for lost health. Some people hide these feelings, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are coping without difficulty. Over time it is likely that you will become more confident in your ability to cope with everyday activities, and the initial turmoil you may have felt should start to fade.

Your healthcare team is there to give you emotional support, reassurance and help you to build your confidence in coping with diabetes. If you, your family, or friends are concerned about any aspect of diabetes, your healthcare team would rather know about it. If the worry is groundless, then you can be reassured. If it has some cause then action can be taken.

You can also get a lot of support and encouragement from other people with diabetes – Diabetes UK Local Groups and Care events give you the chance to hear how others cope in similar situations. People respond in different ways to being diagnosed with diabetes – some to the extent that they feel like hiding it from everyone. You may feel embarrassed and uncertain about how they will react, but letting people know can mean that you receive more support and understanding. Family and friends may be among the first people you tell, and like most people they probably know little about diabetes – but are keen to know more.If you live alone, telling your neighbours about your diabetes may make you feel safer, especially if you are older or at risk of having hypos. A simple explanation to your housemate may help their understanding too.If you are taking part in sport or physical activity it is sensible to tell the person who is leading the activity in case any problems arise.