Around 111,990 people are living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Kent and Medway.
To mark Diabetes Week (13 to 19 June), we're joining Diabetes UK to recognise and support those living with the condition.
Life can be challenging for people living with diabetes. Their blood sugar won’t always be in range. Figuring out food labels and menus might be challenging. Living with diabetes, juggling the ups and downs – that’s worth recognising.
About diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. People living with diabetes need to manage their diet and carry out regular blood tests to make sure their blood glucose levels stay balanced.
There are 2 main types of diabetes:
- type 1 diabetes – where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
- type 2 diabetes – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body's cells do not react to insulin
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2.
There are no lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of type 1 diabetes.
You can help manage type 2 diabetes through healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight.
My Type 1 Diabetes is a free digital resource that offers tailored advice and information created by NHS experts and people living with type 1 diabetes. Adults with type 1 diabetes, their families and carers, and healthcare professionals can use this platform to access information about type 1 diabetes through videos, articles, and accredited online education courses.
How to join
The programme is available now via self-referral. Start using the programme today by visiting: https://www.mytype1diabetes.nhs.uk/
Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes is a free online structured education programme designed to help users learn more about type 2 diabetes. Healthy Living has been clinically proven and can help participants live well with type 2 diabetes.
The programme is available to anyone over the age of 18, living in England with type 2 diabetes. Carers of those living with type 2 diabetes can sign up too.
How to join
The programme is available now via self-referral. Start using the programme today by visiting: https://www.healthyliving.nhs.uk/
myDiabetes is an online platform which provides access to educational support for those with diabetes. The service, is provided by my mhealth.
How to join
Following a referral from a GP or clinician, patients are asked to fill in details, such as their blood glucose levels or BMI, to tailor the delivery of the service to their needs. You can access the myDiabetes platform by visiting https://mymhealth.com/mydiabetes or download the application on an iPhone or Android device.
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code to complete a self referral form:
Symptoms
Have the 4 Ts?
It could be diabetes:
Toilet – going to the toilet a lot?
Thirsty – unable to quench your thirst?
Tired – feeling more tired than usual?
Thinner – losing weight?
More about the services commissioned to support people living with diabetes can be found here.