There are over two million people with diabetes in Britain and another 750,000 who have yet to be diagnosed according to Diabetes UK.

Your local pharmacist can offer help and advice on the condition, whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been living with diabetes for years.

Around 15 per cent of those with diabetes have Type 1, which tends to be more prevalent in children than adults. Type 1 develops when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. As a result, the body is unable to produce insulin and this leads to increased blood glucose levels, which in turn can cause serious damage to all organ systems in the body. The method of treatment is with insulin injections, or by using an insulin pump.

The second, and most widespread form of the condition, is Type 2 diabetes which usually develops later in life. Type 2 develops when the body is unable to make enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly. This means there’s not enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level, or the body is unable to effectively use the insulin that’s being produced.

Type 2 diabetes usually affects people over the age of 40, although increasingly younger people are also being affected.

Diabetes can cause various symptoms. Symptoms common to both types of diabetes include:
• feeling very thirsty
• urinating frequently, particularly at night
• feeling very tired
• weight loss and loss of muscle bulk

You should visit your GP as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms.

It is important diabetes is diagnosed as early as possible. Diabetes cannot be cured, but treatment aims to keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible to control your symptoms and minimise health problems developing later.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you may be referred to a diabetes care team for specialist treatment, or your GP surgery may provide first line diabetes care.

In some cases of type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to control your symptoms by altering your lifestyle, such as eating a healthy diet.

However, as type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, you may eventually need medication to keep your blood glucose at normal levels. To start with this will usually take the form of tablets, but later on it may include injected therapies, such as insulin.

If you have type 2 diabetes, you will be advised to look after your health carefully. It helps to eat a healthy, balanced diets, stop smoking (if you smoke), drink alcohol in moderation and take plenty of regular exercise.

Caring for your health will also make treating your diabetes easier and minimise your risk of developing complications.

Help and advice All pharmacies can give you advice and support on managing your diabetes by leading a healthy lifestyle, exercising and eating healthily.

Some pharmacies may also offer weight management services to reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes., while others may also offer diabetes screening.

If you are prescribed a new medicine for the first time for diabetes, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local pharmacist through a free NHS-funded scheme called The New Medicine Service (NMS). The service allows people to discuss any concerns, like side effects or what to do if you miss a dose. This can be done over the phone or in a pharmacy consultation room. If required, you will be referred back to your GP for more help.

If your child has been diagnosed with diabetes, your pharmacist can help by providing tips on how to encourage them to eat healthy foods and be more active. The pharmacist can also help you prepare for your child’s diabetes care, by giving you information on blood glucose testing, the different types of insulin and how to manage insulin injections. They also offer advice on how to help your child receive good support at school.

Pharmacists provide information on the short-term and long-term complications of diabetes and how to prevent or deal with them.

Pharmacists can also refer to other services and support groups that may help you. For more information about the symptoms and treatment of diabetes, please visit www.diabetes.org.uk

While you’re asking your pharmacist for advice about diabetes, you might be surprised at what else is on offer. All pharmacies can give advice on many common health problems, minor ailments and medicines. Some may also offer flu vaccinations, allergy screening and testing, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections as well as other services.

To find out more, simply ask your pharmacist or visit www.askyourpharmacist.co.uk. Pharmacies are there to help you stay well, not just to treat you when you are sick.