Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where our body can’t produce insulin, leading to a build up of glucose in the blood. Everyone with type 1 diabetes needs to take insulin. This can be injected or via an insulin pump.

Read more about type 1 diabetes at Diabetes UK.

Managing type 1 diabetes can be challenging, your diabetes team are here to help. The following links may also be helpful:

• MyDiabetes MyWay - Growing Up with Type 1 Diabetes - suitable for teenagers 
• DigiBete - a place to help young people, families and communities to manage type 1 diabetes.
• JDRF - funds research to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes. 
• Diabetes UK Learning Zone - discover more about your diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, or when the body can’t make enough insulin. This leads to a build up of glucose in the blood. A number of factors can influence our blood glucose levels.

Pre-diabetes and being 'at risk' of type 2 diabetes

You may have been told that you have pre-diabetes or are 'at risk' of developing type 2 diabetes. Pre-diabetes occurs when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Higher than normal blood glucose levels increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Visit Diabetes UK for more information about pre-diabetes.

Other factors, such as family history and age, can influence our risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Find out your risk of type 2 diabetes at Diabetes UK.

Discuss any concerns or queries you may have with your GP or practice nurse.

Managing and reducing risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Factors that can help us manage and reduce our risk of developing type 2 diabetes:

• eating a healthy, balanced diet
• being physically active
• reducing stress
• improving sleep
• taking medications as prescribed
• stopping smoking
• managing weight
• for those who drink alcohol, keeping intake within the guidelines

Making realistic changes that work for you can help support your diabetes management and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

• Diabetes UK have helpful information on eating well with type 2 diabetes.
• Association of UK Dietitians food fact sheets - written by dietitians to help you learn the best ways to eat and drink to keep your body fit and healthy.

See more information on this website on:

• what and how we eat 
• physical activity
• smoking cessation

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. The hormones we produce when we are pregnant can make it difficult for our bodies to use insulin properly, leading to a rise in blood glucose levels. For most women with gestational diabetes, blood glucose levels will return to normal after pregnancy. Those who have had gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.

See information on eating well with gestational diabetes from Diabetes UK.

Dieting and weight loss are not advised during pregnancy. Discuss any concerns or questions with your midwife.

See more information on gestational diabetes from NHS Highland Public Health (pdf).

My Diabetes My Way

My Diabetes My Way is an easy-to-use, interactive website from NHS Scotland, to help support people who have (or are at risk of having) diabetes, and their family and friends. You'll find leaflets, videos, educational tools and games containing information about diabetes. You can also view your own up-to-date diabetes clinic results, to help you manage your condition more effectively.

Featuring eLearning Courses - free courses of 2-4 hours duration, covering topics for preventing, managing and working towards remission of type 2 diabetes.