Checking your blood sugar levels | Diabetes testing | Diabetes UK
Place the device against the side of your finger and press the plunger. Use a different finger each time and a different area. Take your meter with the test strip and hold it against the drop of blood. It’ll tell you if the test strip is filled, usually by beeping. Before …
What is HbA1c? | Blood Test | Target Levels | Diabetes UK
HbA1c is your average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last two to three months. If you have diabetes, an ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below. If you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your target HbA1c level should be below 42mmol/mol (6%). On this page we’ll go through what HbA1c means, and why aiming for your target ...
What is hypoglycaemia? | Signs and symptoms | Diabetes UK
A hypo is when your blood sugar level, also called blood glucose level, drops too low. This is usually below 4mmol/l. A hypo, also called hypoglycaemia, can happen quickly. So it’s important to always have hypo treatments with you. It's also important to know what the signs are and how to treat a hypo if you have one.
Type 2 diabetes | Diabetes UK
Type 2 diabetes is high blood sugar levels due to your body not making enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes not working properly — known as insulin resistance. High blood sugar levels over time can cause other health problems like heart attacks and strokes, as well as problems with your eyes, kidneys, and feet. These are called diabetes complications.
Prediabetes | Diabetes UK | Reduce risk type 2 diabetes
Preventing type 2 diabetes. Research has consistently shown that for some people combined lifestyle interventions - including diet, physical activity and sustained weight loss - can be effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 50%. Being at risk doesn’t mean you will definitely develop type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes | Type 1 and Type 2 | Diabetes UK
Thirsty - being really thirsty. Tired - feeling more tired than usual. Thinner - losing weight without trying to. Genital itching or thrush. Cuts and wounds take longer to heal. Blurred eyesight. Increased hunger. These symptoms can affect anyone - adult or child. But some are more commonly experienced by people with type 1 diabetes, and can ...
What is insulin? - Diabetes UK
Insulin is like a key that helps unlock your cells and allows glucose (sugar) in your blood to move into your cells where it is used for energy. And insulin also helps the body store any extra glucose. You get the glucose from the carbohydrates you eat or drink – which your body breaks down. With any type of diabetes, you have too much sugar ...
Type 2 diabetes symptoms | Diabetes UK
A lot of people don’t get any signs or symptoms of type 2 diabetes – or don’t notice them. Symptoms can include: Weeing a lot, especially at night. Being really thirsty. Feeling more tired than usual. Losing weight without trying to – and getting thinner. Genital itching or thrush.
What is diabetes? | Getting to know the basics | Diabetes UK
Diabetes (otherwise known by the scientific name diabetes mellitus) is a complicated condition and there are many different types of diabetes. Here we'll take you through everything you need to know. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a serious condition where your blood glucose level is too high. It can happen when your body doesn't produce enough …
Types of insulin - Diabetes UK
Most people with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes are prescribed two kinds of insulin: a fast acting one you take with meals and sometimes snacks. This is known as bolus insulin. And a slower-acting insulin you take once or twice a day that works through the day. This is known as background insulin or basal insulin.