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

14 April 2025

Patients urged to order repeat prescriptions before holiday weekends

People who take regular medications have been urged to check they have sufficient supplies to last the long Easter weekend (Good Friday, 18 April to…

News

9 April 2025

ICB welcomes prospect of better health through boosts to local economy

Health chiefs have expressed their delight at the prospect of better health for local people, following two major economic announcements in recent days. An artist’s…

News

8 April 2025

Breaking down barriers: Breast screening awareness event empowers neurodiverse adults

Autistic adults and those with learning disabilities were invited to attend an event to learn more about breast screening and the importance of early diagnosis of breast cancer. An X-ray…

News

8 April 2025

Innovative mentoring programme transforms leadership

A groundbreaking mentoring initiative at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board and Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is reshaping workplace culture and transforming leadership in a bid to…

News

3 April 2025

New children’s vaccination catch-up clinics announced for Easter holidays and beyond

A list of forthcoming catch-up clinics has been published, for children who have not received all of their routine immunisations. Parents have been encouraged to check their child’s vaccination record…

News

2 April 2025

New Women’s Health Network launched in Luton

Luton’s Women’s Health Network has been officially launched – putting women’s health at the forefront of the agenda and providing help and support to 112,000 women who live in the…