Types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is when the body cannot make any insulin. The body still receives glucose from food, but it can’t get into the cells where it’s needed. This means blood sugar rises dramatically.
Type 2 diabetes is far more common. This is when the pancreas either doesn’t make enough insulin, or the insulin it does make doesn’t work in the body the way it should, leading to increased blood sugar levels.
Currently, 4.7 million people in the UK are living with diabetes. Over 12 million more people have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Genetics, as well as lifestyle, are key factors in developing Type 2. Carrying extra weight and not being physically active can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. But there are other risk factors too, such as your age and if a close family member has it.
Around 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2, and it’s estimated that by 2025, around 5 million people will be affected.
Important dates in the Diabetes UK calendar
Diabetes Week takes place during the second week of June
World Diabetes Day is on the 14th of November
How else can you help Diabetes UK?
If you have spare time in your calendar, volunteer as a Know Your Risk volunteer. Help raise awareness around reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Develop your personal skillset as you train new volunteers, and enhance your interpersonal and communication skills while supporting a good cause. Visit the Diabetes UK volunteering page to find out more.
If you work for a company that doesn’t support a charity at the moment, why not put Diabetes UK forward as a Charity of the Year Candidate? Diabetes may be affecting your colleagues, friends and family. Charities like Diabetes UK really appreciate the work that corporate partners do in helping support more people. Check out the Diabetes UK corporate partnerships page to find out more.
