Diabetes

​​​​About Diabetes

Diabetes is a life-long condition that causes your blood glucose (sugar) level to become too high. It happens when:

• your body cannot make a hormone called insulin
• the insulin does not work properly
• your body doesn’t make enough insulin

Insulin helps your body:

• use glucose (sugar) for energy
• control the levels of sugar in the blood

Without insulin, the level of glucose in your blood becomes too high.

Learn more about the different types of diabetes on NHS and Diab​etes UK. 

Symptoms

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• feeling thirsty more than usual
• peeing more frequently, especially during the day or night
• feeling very tired or lacking energy
• losing weight without trying to

When to contact your GP

If you think that you or your child may have symptoms of diabetes, contact your GP as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.

Some people with diabetes may not notice any symptoms, particularly in the early stages.

If you have risk factors for diabetes, contact your​ GP to discuss a health check.

List of surgeries and GPs in Jersey

Types of diabetes and their causes

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a common long-term condition that develops when your body cannot make insulin. It develops when the body's immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin.

It’s usually diagnosed in children and young people, however you can get it at any age.

Currently it cannot be prevented.

People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to keep their blood glucose levels within a healthy range and also:

• monitor their blood glucose regularly
• track what they eat and drink
  
• adjust how much insulin they take

Type 1 diabetes on NHS

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that occurs when the body is unable to:

• use insulin properly
  
• produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose (sugar) levels within a healthy range

It can affect adults and, in some cases, children and young people.

Some people may need medication to help control their blood glucose levels. However, it can often be prevented or managed through healthy lifestyle choices such as:

• a balanced diet
• regular physical activity
• maintaining a healthy weight

Things that can increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes include:

• being overweight or living with obesity
• ageing
• having a family history of diabetes
• belonging to certain ethnic groups that have a higher risk of the condition
• having a low level of physical activity

If it’s not managed well, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and organs over time. This can increase the risk of serious health problems, including:

• heart disease
• stroke
• kidney disease
  
• nerve damage

Early diagnosis and effective management can help reduce the risk of serious health problems and support long-term health.

Type 2 diabetes on NHS

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It develops when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy. As a result, blood glucose levels can rise.

It can occur at any point during pregnancy, however it is most common during the second or third trimester. In most cases, it goes away after the baby is born.​

If untreated it can increase the risk of health complications for both the pregnant person and their baby during:

• pregnancy
• labour
• after birth

These risks can be greatly reduced through:

• early diagnosis
• regular monitoring
• appropriate treatment

With the right care and support, most people with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.

Learn more about Gestational diabetes on common health problems during pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes​ on NHS

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of diabetes you have. 

Type 1 diabetes treatment includes taking insulin for the rest of your life and regularly checking your blood glucose (sugar) levels. You’ll also need to balance insulin doses with food, drink and activity levels. You’ll need to attend regular diabetes reviews and health checks. 

Type 2 diabetes treatment and gestational diabetes treatment includes lifestyle changes such as:

• following a healthy diet
• exercising regularly
• achieving and maintaining a healthy weight

Sometimes medicines, such as Metformin on NHS or insulin on NHS​, are needed.

Managing diabetes​

Living with diabetes can increase the risk of developing other health conditions, particularly if blood glucose (sugar) levels remain high over time. These conditions include:

• heart attack and stroke
• kidney problems
• nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy. This can lead to foot problems, including loss of sensation and slower healing 
• sight problems 
  
• gum disease and other oral health problems

These complications can develop over time.

Managing your blood glucose well and keeping to your agreed target range can help lower your risk of developing complications and support your overall health and wellbeing.

Regular health checks and screening

Regular health checks and diabetes reviews are important, as they can help identify potential health complications.

Diabetic eye screening

Diabetic eye screening checks for eye problems caused by diabetes. The screening can pick up changes at the back of the eye you may not notice. If caught early enough, this can prevent sight loss.

Learn more about the importance of diabetic retinal screening, what’s involved and how to prepare for the test.

The Jersey Diabetes Service

The Jersey Diabetes Service provides specialist care, treatment, and advice for both children and adults living with diabetes.

The service works closely with the charity Diab​etes Jersey.