Diabetes

What is diabetes? The video below will explain it very clearly to you. The video which follows it explains the nutritional benefits of a super-food diet.

Diabetes Video


Super Foods for Health & Diabetes Video


Diabetes is sometimes called the silent killer because of its easy-to-miss symptoms. Ask your GP for regular blood sugar tests. 

What are the symptoms?
  • Increase thirst and urination
  • Weight loss
  • Hunger
  • Skin problems such as darkening of the skin around the neck and armpits
  • Slow healing of wounds
  • Yeast and other infections which thrive in a sugar-rich environment
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Blurry vision
  • Tingling and numbness in fingers and feet
What does the blood test show? Fasting Plasma Glucose Test checks the blood sugar level after fasting for a period of time, usually overnight or eight hours. Blood glucose above 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) on two occasions means you have diabetes. The normal cut-off is 99 mg/dl while a blood sugar level of 100 to 125 mg/dl is considered prediabetes - a serious condition in itself.

Diabetes Mentors

If you have diabetes, accessing a Diabetes Mentor is a great way to help you through your ordeal.
Diabetes Mentors are local people with experience of diabetes who can work alongside you offering support as you manage this condition. If you are interested, please contact Peter Gilbert by telephone on 020 7736 0044 or email at peterhgilbert@gmail.com.

Diabetes Support Groups

If you have diabetes, care for someone who does or would like more information, you can join an organisation which gives you support and advice such as the ones below:

Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation

JOINING THE FOUNDATION

The Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation is one of the major research foundations in the UK. Membership is for people with diabetes or anyone who can benefit from an improved understanding of the condition. See the benefits of joining the network. Click here for more info 

Diabetes UK

LONDON ROADSHOWS


The Diabetes UK Roadshow provides information about how leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.


On the day activities include a free Type 2 diabetes risk assessment, physical activity area and a healthy eating marquee with a dietician and free fruit.


So, if you are concerned that you or someone in your family might be at risk, or if you want to learn about leading a healthier lifestyle, then please pop along to one the locations.  


If you would like information about visiting the Roadshow or volunteering, get in touch at london@diabetes.org.uk or Click here for further information

Celebrities with Diabetes

TOM HANKS
Aged 57, Hanks had elevated blood sugar levels for years before being diagnosed with diabetes, a not uncommon pattern with type 2.
HALLE BERRY
Actress Berry was diagnosed withtype 1 diabetes at age 22, after she became ill and slipped into a weeklong coma. In 2007, however, Berry announced that she’d weaned herself off insulin. Doctors say that Berry likely had type 2 diabetes all along, because there is no way to avoid insulin if you have type 1. (Type 1s can’t survive without it.) Since Berry is healthy and fit, doctors may have initially ruled out type 2, which usually affects young people only if they are overweight.