Understanding diabetes: more than managing blood sugar

This article has been developed using clinical insight provided by our Virtual GP partner, Teladoc Health, including contributions from Lucy Thalayasingam, Counselling Clinical Lead.

Diabetes affects millions of people across the UK, yet many people underestimate the impact it can have on everyday life.

While conversations about diabetes often focus on blood glucose levels, medication and diet, the reality is that managing the condition can also place a significant emotional and mental burden on those living with it.

Increasing awareness of the signs, symptoms and different types of diabetes can support earlier diagnosis, better health outcomes and a greater understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by those affected.

• Nearly six million people in the UK are living with diabetes
• Around 1.3 million people may be living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes
• Approximately 90% of diabetes diagnoses are type 1 diabetes
• Diabetes is one of the UK's most common long-term health condition

Understanding the different types of diabetes

Although often discussed as a single condition, diabetes can take several forms.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is not caused by lifestyle factors and often develops during childhood or early adulthood.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. Risk factors can include age, family history, ethnicity, blood pressure and weight, alongside broader social factors such as housing, income and access to healthy food.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth. However, it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child.

There are also less common forms of diabetes, including Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) , neonatal diabetes and type 3c diabetes.

Why early diagnosis matters

One of the challenges with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is that symptoms can develop gradually and be easy to overlook.

Diabetes UK's "Four Ts" can help people recognise some of the most common symptoms:

• Toilet: needing to urinate more frequently, particularly at night
• Thirsty: persistent or unusual thirst
• Tired: ongoing fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
• Thinner: unexplained weight loss

Other symptoms can include blurred vision, recurring infections, itching and wounds that take longer than usual to heal.

Early diagnosis is important because untreated high blood glucose levels can increase the risk of serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and circulation.

The hidden impact of living with diabetes

While the physical effects of diabetes are widely recognised, the emotional impact is often talked about less.

Managing diabetes requires ongoing decision-making every day. Blood glucose levels can be influenced by food, exercise, illness, sleep, stress and hormonal changes, meaning people can be constantly assessing and adjusting how they manage their condition.

This ongoing responsibility can sometimes lead to feelings of frustration, stress and exhaustion. As a result, healthcare professionals increasingly recognise conditions such as diabetes distress and diabetes burnout.

"Having lived with type 1 diabetes since the age of five, I understand first-hand that managing diabetes involves far more than monitoring blood glucose levels. There is a constant mental load that comes with making decisions every day, and at times that can feel overwhelming. It's important for people to know that struggling with diabetes management is not a sign of failure. It's a very human response to living with a complex, lifelong condition."

Why self-compassion matters

Living with a long-term condition requires ongoing effort, and perfect management is rarely realistic.

There will inevitably be times when routines are harder to maintain, motivation is lower or life circumstances make diabetes management feel more challenging.

Recognising these experiences and seeking support when needed is an important part of managing overall wellbeing. Emotional health is just as important as physical health.

Knowing when to seek support

Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with diabetes should speak to a healthcare professional. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a simple blood test.

People already living with diabetes may also wish to seek advice if they experience:

• Persistently high or unstable blood glucose readings
• Changes in vision
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Wounds that are slow to heal
• Ongoing feelings of stress, burnout or emotional overwhelm related to diabetes management

Looking beyond the numbers

Improving awareness of diabetes isn't only about recognising symptoms and encouraging earlier diagnosis.

It's also about understanding the emotional, psychological and practical realities of living with a condition that requires daily management.

By increasing understanding of both the physical and mental health aspects of diabetes, we can help create a more supportive and compassionate environment for the millions of people affected by the condition.

Need advice? If your Healix Healthcare Scheme includes access to Virtual GP Teladoc Health, you can seek medical advice and support through the service. Alternatively, speak to your GP if you have concerns about diabetes symptoms or management.

Sources

• Diabetes UK, Diabetes Statistics
• Diabetes UK, Know Your Risk Tool