In 2010 Diabetes UK produces a concerning report looking at the statistics about diabetes (both Type One and Type Two diabetes) in the UK and globally.  We would strongly suggest that anyone who is involved in any way with the diabetic community downloads a copy which can be found here http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/Reports/Diabetes_in_the_UK_2010.pdf.

The report entitled “Diabetes in the UK” includes a number of key facts:-

• The global communities of diabetics amountsto 285 million patients and is expected to affect  438million people by 2030
• Affected people tend of be the more developed countries.  But the countries with the highest prevalence are in the Middle East.
• In the UK 2.6 million have already received a diagnosis of diabetes and this is expected to grow to over four million in the next 12 years.
• But Diabetes UK estimates that over 500,000 have diabetes and have not been diagnosed.
• Even more worryingly the age of people getting diagnosed with diabetes is getting lower.  It may well be that 5% of all diabetics are under the age of 20

We felt it would be a useful service to highlight a number of the early signs and symptoms of diabetes and in particular Type 2 diabetes to help raise awareness of the condition!

 

There are a number of signs common to both Type One and Type Two diabetes.  These include:-

• Often going to the toilet at night
• Feeling thirsty much of the time
• Fatigue.  Get more information here https://patienttalk.org/?p=239
• Losing weight

 


If you have these symptoms please go and visit your doctor as soon as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes we would very much like to hear you story.  In particular we would love to hear the answers to the following questions:-

1. How old were you when you were diagnosed with diabetes?
2. Does anyone else in your family have diabetes?
3. What were your first symptoms of diabetes?
4. How do you treat your diabetes?  How effective are the treatments?
5. What one piece of advice would you give to somebody who has just been diagnosed with diabetes?

Please use the comments boxes below to tell your story or answer the above questions.  Feel free to add links to any resources you think may be of interest

Thanks in advance