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Home » Diabetes at a glance » What is diabetes?

What is diabetes?

January 17, 2014

Diabetes is a condition that causes your blood sugar level to become too high. It is a lifelong condition affecting 3.2 million people in the UK. An estimated 630,000 people have diabetes but don’t know they have it.

There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1

Your body is unable to produce insulin.

Type 1 diabetes is less common than Type 2 and can develop at any age. It usually starts before age 40, often during childhood.

Type 2

Your body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot make the insulin you have work properly.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common than Type 1. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2. It usually starts after age 40 although it is now affecting younger people, including children. South Asian, African-Caribbean and Middle Eastern people are at greater risk of having Type 2 diabetes.

Filed Under: Diabetes at a glance

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  • What is diabetes?
  • Why is insulin so important?
  • How do I know if I have diabetes
  • Can I do things myself to help my diabetes?
  • What treatment will I need?
  • Where will I go to for support?
  • Who will support me?
  • What about diabetes care for children?
  • Where can I learn more?
  • Help from Diabetes.uk
  • Are there any support groups in Kent?
  • What will happen if I ignore my diabetes?
  • I have diabetes and want to get pregnant. Do I need to take extra care?
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