Diabetes

Diabetes image

Home » Your Health and Care » Diabetes

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose, a type of sugar, in the blood. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, approximately 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2.

You can find out more by watching the short video.

How can I reduce my risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes?

There are lots of small changes you can make to reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. For Advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing please visit www.nhs.uk/live-well.

You can find out if you are one of over 5 million people in the UK who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by using the quick self-assessment know your risk tool.

How can I best manage my Diabetes?

If you are living with diabetes there is a lot that you can do that will help you to take control of your diabetes and avoid problems.

Learn more about living with diabetes and lifestyle tips on the NHS Choices healthy living guide.

What support is available if I have Diabetes?

In Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes diabetes services are provided by different providers. To access support services in your area, please select:

Diabetes Annual Review

Diabetes Education

Foot Care

Gestational Diabetes and Post Gestational Diabetes Care

Weight Management Services for people living with Diabetes

Diabetes Retinal Screening

For Carers seeking support

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (cgm)

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

Diabetes FAQ

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

20 February 2025

Women in East of England could get cancer detected earlier as a result…

Breast cancer cases in the East of England could be detected earlier as a major new NHS drive begins, supporting thousands more women in the region…

News

20 February 2025

Embrace the outdoors this half term with some family fun

A senior NHS leader is encouraging families to get out and about this February half term despite the chilly weather. Engaging in outdoor activities not…

News

18 February 2025

Parents urged to catch up on children’s vaccinations at clinics this February…

Parents of children who have not received all of their routine immunisations have been urged to attend a series of catch-up sessions this February half term. Dates have now been…

News

17 February 2025

Act to help prevent cancer during Cancer Prevention Action Week

A senior NHS doctor in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is calling on all residents to look at their lifestyles to help reduce the chances of getting cancer, during Cancer…

News

14 February 2025

Look after your heart health this Valentine’s Day

Elizabeth Barrett Browning famously asked her beloved: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways,” but as Valentine’s Day arrives, a local NHS leader has reminded men and…

News

12 February 2025

NHS urges eligible people to get free RSV vaccination

NHS England has launched a new campaign to encourage uptake of free RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccinations which will be available from 10 February 2025. RSV causes common colds and…