Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.
When your body breaks down food, your blood sugar level rises. The cells in your body absorb this sugar for energy, using a hormone called insulin. If you have type 1 diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not use it very well. In either case, sugar stays in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by your cells, causing high sugar levels in the blood.
In the short term, you might feel tired and notice you are peeing more often. You might also feel thirsty.
Over time, having high blood sugar levels can lead to serious complications affecting the nerves and the small and large blood vessels in your body. This can cause:
Over time, high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in your heart, making them narrow and more likely to develop fatty deposits. This build up of fatty deposits (also called plaque) can block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart, which can cause a heart attack. People with diabetes are also more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and to carry excess body fat.
Keeping your blood sugar levels within the target range can help reduce the risk of complications from diabetes and help keep your heart healthy.
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential for diabetes management. This can include regular blood sugar measurements, or a blood test called HbA1c, which provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past few months. Talk to your GP or nurse about your HbA1c measurement and get help to manage your blood sugar levels effectively.
Forming healthy habits is an important part of managing diabetes and keeping your heart healthy. This is in addition to any diabetes and heart medicines your doctor might prescribe. Healthy habits include:
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Last updated07 June 2024