There are nearly five million people in the United Kingdom currently living with diabetes. Over the last 15 years, the number of people being diagnosed with the condition has more than doubled! With case numbers on the rise you may be asking yourself, what exactly is diabetes, and what are some of the symptoms? We thought we would take a closer look. 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a life long condition that causes a person’s blood sugar levels to become too high. This blood sugar, or ‘glucose’ is our body’s main source of energy. Glucose is extracted from the food we eat and once digested, makes it’s way into our blood. To absorb glucose from our blood and into our cells where it can be used, a hormone called insulin is required.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1, & Type 2.

 In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. This form of the condition can develop suddenly over weeks or even days. 

Type 2 diabetes is caused when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or, the body’s cells do not react to the insulin that is produced. This form of the condition is by far the most common, making up around 90% of adult cases. People can display symptoms of type 2 diabetes for years without realising they have the condition.

Common Signs of Diabetes 

Being able to spot the early of signs of diabetes is essential. Some of the most common symptoms of the condition include:

• Needing to urinate regularly, especially at night.
• Continuously feeling thirsty.
• Fatigue and tiredness.
• Unexplained weight loss. 
• Itching around your genitals. 
• Finding that cuts and wounds are taking longer to heel. 
• Increased feelings of hunger. 
• Eyesight becoming blurry. 

Get Tested Today!

The earlier a person is able to diagnose diabetes, the sooner they can manage the symptoms of the condition. This in turn will lower their risk is of developing more serious associated health conditions.

Here at Jace Medical, our blood tests will help you to understand what is happening in your body, allowing you to identify markers of diabetes and other illnesses at an early stage. If you’re interested in checking your diabetes health status, click here to book a test today!

We pride ourselves on delivering the very best care for our patients. Our highly experienced team of doctors are on hand to help you every step of the way. We offer a wide range of patient-focused services to the public, NHS and private sectors, so get in touch today to find out how we can help you.