What is diabetes?
Diabetes UK estimates that diabetes currently affects almost six million people in the UK, making it one of the most common chronic health conditions. If you’ve been wondering ‘what is diabetes?’ we’re here today to explain the difference between type 1 and type 2, explore the main symptoms, and look at the potential complications that diabetes can cause.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition and symptoms start to develop very quickly, usually over a few days or a couple of weeks. The condition develops as the body can’t make enough insulin, which is a hormone that helps the body to effectively use glucose for energy. Without insulin, blood sugar levels get too high and cause a variety of issues.
As there is no cure, people with type 1 diabetes must carefully manage their blood glucose levels by taking insulin every day. Other steps to manage the condition include keeping track of what you’re eating and drinking, understanding how to spot signs of hypoglycaemia, and seeking appropriate medical care when complications do arise as quickly as possible.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes
The NHS advises that the 4 Ts are the easiest way to remember the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes which are:
- Thirst: needing to drink more than usual
- Toilet: urinating more often, particularly at night
- Tired: Feeling fatigued
- Thinner: Losing weight without actively trying to
There are many other symptoms associated with type 1 diabetes, including blurry vision, experiencing frequent infections, noticing that wounds take longer to heal, and fruity or sweet smelling breath.
Getting diagnosed with type 1 diabetes
If you think you may have type 1 diabetes, your GP will conduct a simple finger-prick test, which will check your blood glucose levels. If this test indicates that you may have the condition, you’ll usually be referred to a diabetes specialist and may need further blood tests.
Causes of type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, which means that it’s not possible to prevent it from developing. It usually starts in childhood, however it’s possible to develop the condition at any age.
Complications of type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is associated with a number of other health issues, including stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, and sight issues. It can also cause nerve damage, which can lead to tingling or pain, numbness, and affect the blood supply to the feet.
Type 2 diabetes
Most people living with diabetes in the UK have type 2 diabetes. Whereas type 1 is caused by an issue with the immune system, type 2 diabetes is preventable in some cases. People with type 2 diabetes can’t produce enough insulin or the insulin that is being produced doesn’t work correctly, which is known as insulin resistance.
Type 2 diabetes can be managed with medicines and lifestyle changes. In some cases, lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, eating a balanced diet, losing weight and stopping smoking, can help to put the disease into remission.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are similar to type 1, including feeling very tired, feeling thirstier than usual, unintended weight loss, and urinating more often. Symptoms usually develop very gradually, however not everyone will experience symptoms and it’s very common to have the condition without realising.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more common in older people, however some people are at a higher risk than others. You may be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you’re:
- Over 40 and white
- Over 25 and from a Black Caribbean, Black African, Chinese or South Asian background
- Overweight or not physically active
- Have high blood pressure
There may also be a genetic element to type 2 diabetes, so you’re more likely to develop the condition if a sibling or parent also has it.
Getting diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
If you’ve found your way to this page after searching ‘what is diabetes?’ and you think you may have type 2 diabetes or you have one or more of the above risk factors for the condition, it’s important to see your GP because many people don’t experience obvious symptoms.
You’ll have a non-fasting HbA1c blood test, which will test your average blood sugar levels over the previous 2-3 month period. If your levels are above 48mmol/mol you will be diagnosed with diabetes.
Complications of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is associated with several other long-term health conditions, which is why treating and managing the condition is so important. Unmanaged type 2 diabetes increases your chances of developing foot problems, kidney disease, gum disease, stroke, coronary heart disease, and vision problems.
FAQs
Is diabetes an autoimmune disease?
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that develops when the immune system mistakenly starts attacking the beta cells responsible for producing insulin. Type 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune condition and is instead classed as a chronic metabolic disorder.
What is prediabetes?
You may be told that you have prediabetes if your blood glucose levels are elevated but not currently high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Being prediabetic means that you’re at a higher risk of receiving a diabetes diagnosis in the future.
Are cases of diabetes increasing in the UK?
According to data looked at by the charity Diabetes UK, cases of diabetes increased by 155,803 between 2023/24 and 2024/25. Currently, more than 4.7 million people have received a diabetes diagnosis, but it’s estimated that a further 1.3 million people are living with the condition without a diagnosis.
