We've put some small files called cookies on your device to make our site work.
We would also like to use google translate cookies and analytical cookies to understand how our site is used and improve user experience. Analytical cookies send information to Google Analytics.
Let us know your preference. We will use a cookie to save your choice. Before you make your choice you can read more about our cookie policy.
You can change your cookie settings at any time using our cookie policy.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus. There are two types of diabetes - type 1 and type 2.
According to the charity Diabetes UK, more than two million people in the UK have the condition and up to 750,000 more are believed to have it without realising they do.
More than three-quarters of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes mellitus. This used to be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity-onset diabetes mellitus. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing as it commoner in the overweight and obese, which is itself a growing problem.
The remainder have type 1 diabetes mellitus, which used to be knwon as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
What's the treatment for diabetes?
It's recognised that the sooner the blood sugar levels are brought under control, the better the long term prospects of preventing damage. Lifestyle advice about diet, weight management and regular activity is the first step.
Type 1 diabetes will require immediate insulin therapy, Type 2 will first be managed with a drug called Metformin, if lifestyle changes alone aren't effective. There are now several other drugs used in type 2 diabetes, although eventually some type 2 diabetics will need insulin therapy as its a progressive disease.
Healthtalkonline, an award-winning charity website, lets you share in other people's experiences of health and illness. An excellent resource compiled after interviewing a wide range of people suffering from heart disease.
An excellent resource with useful information and references relating to Type 1 Diabetes.
A useful resource regarding Type 2 Diabetes.
Largest charity in the UK devoted to the care and treatment of people with diabetes in order to improve the quality of life for people with the condition.
Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of Diabetes.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Charlton participated in the National Diabetes Week to further encourage and support our Diabetic patients. Please see details below on the programmes being offered to Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients.
Ramadan in 2024 will run from on or around Sunday 10th March 2024 for 29 days or 30 days, edning with Eid al-Fitr, a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide.
Please follow the link below for more information about fasting and managing your diabetes during this time, planning to fast safely and the risks involved.
Here you can find a newsletter from the Diabetic Eye Screening Service to advise its importance and how the screening can prevent sight loss and detect early signs.
Should you wish to find out further information, please visit Diabetic eye screening - NHS (www.nhs.uk)