World Diabetes Day 14th November - Know the Signs and Symptoms

Nov 14, 2022 Diabetes Mellitus

According to Diabetes UK, over 4.9 million in the UK have diabetes. That’s an incredible number and those numbers are increasing. It is important that we all know more about what diabetes is, and how to spot the signs and symptoms so you or someone you know can get help.  That is why awareness days, such as World Diabetes Day can be so valuable. As they say, knowledge is power.

 

What is Diabetes

 

There are two main types of diabetes, type one and type two. With T2 (type 2) diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin isn’t reacted to effectively at a cellular level.

With T1 (type 1) diabetes the cells that produce much-needed insulin are attacked by the body’s immune system. Without adequate insulin, a person’s blood sugar can climb to dangerous levels. 

Both of these types of diabetes require monitoring and often, medication, lifestyle changes and/or insulin injections. The treatment plan for diabetes depends on the type, the individual and various other factors.

 

The Four T’s - Keep Your Eyes Open for the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

 

The 4T’s are the early signs of diabetes. They can be mistaken for viruses or similar but being aware of these can help you detect diabetes early. If you experience these, please see your GP as soon as possible. 

• Toilet - One sign of diabetes is going to the toilet a lot. In children, this can manifest itself as bed wetting when they were toileting themselves previously. Also, look out for fuller-than-expected nappies during changes.
• Thirsty - Intense thirst and struggling to quench that thirst through drinking is a common symptom of diabetes and is a symptom that you should get checked out.
• Tired - Fatigue is also a common indicator of diabetes. If you feel more tired than usual this, particularly alongside other symptoms is again something to discuss with your doctor.
• Thinner - While losing weight can be a pleasant surprise, losing it for no obvious reason and quickly is something that should be looked at. This is a common sign of T1 diabetes.

 

As well as the four T’s other symptoms such as blurred vision, thrush and generally feeling unwell can be indicators of diabetes. If you are in doubt, please book yourself in for a health check.

 

Emergency Diabetes Medications

 

Managing your condition takes work and for many people requires regular blood glucose testing, and often medication (either medication or injections, insulin and other alternatives).

Keeping on top of your prescriptions and other diabetic treatment items is important. Here at SimplyMeds Online, we offer emergency diabetes prescriptions as well as other emergency medicines. 

Emergency medicine prescriptions are ideal for when you’ve forgotten to order your regular prescription or have gone away without it or similar. 

As well as prescribed medications we stock replacement items such as insulin pen needles, a sharps bin, yourGLUCOoral gel sachets and more. 

 

Knowledge is Power When You Have Diabetes

 

One of the best ways for many people to manage their diabetes is to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly, as per the advice of their diabetic team. We stock the GlucoRx Nexus glucose monitoring system and test strips too. 

 

Lifestyle Changes 

 

With over 90% of diabetes diagnoses being recorded as being type 2, diet and lifestyle changes are often recommended. There are many myths and mistruths about diabetes, particularly type two, where the implication is that anyone with T2 eats too much sugar.

With that in mind, making positive lifestyle changes can be advantageous for the positive management of diabetes. Do speak to your GP team before making any major lifestyle changes.  

Ensure that you seek out information from verifiable sources such as your health team or organisations such as Diabetes UK as misinformation can be detrimental to your diabetic management.

 

Wellbeing Support for Diabetics

 

Managing your diabetes is an everyday job in itself and for many that requires a constant round of blood glucose testing, monitoring food and more. This can be overwhelming and diabetic burnout is a real thing.

It can take time to find your rhythm. There is support available, not just for the medical aspects of diabetes but also for your well-being. Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to your healthcare providers if you are struggling or need extra support or information.