Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious condition where your blood glucose level is too high. It can happen when your body doesn't produce enough insulin, if your insulin isn't effective, or you can't produce it at all.
Type 1
Type 1 diabetes is the most common in children and young people. It's not related to diet or how you live. It's a lifelong condition where your body can't make insulin, and needs lifelong treatment.
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, but affects some children, particularly if you have a family history of it, or come from an Asian or Afro-Caribbean background. Type 2 diabetes is when your insulin can’t work effectively, or you can’t produce enough.
Being overweight and doing little physical activity can contribute to the risk of type 2. Early treatment, lifestyle changes and support can make a big difference.
In all types of diabetes, the initial symptoms are increased thirst, going to the toilet more, being tired and losing weight. Other symptoms can be skin problems, blurred vision and constipation.
In type 1, if these signs are not recognised the person may become very sick with vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing and cold hands and feet and be less responsive. In this situation, call 999.
find out more at www.diabetes.org.uk.