It's time to rethink your perception of diabetes

National Diabetes Week 2022 is from 10-16 July and aims to raise awareness and understanding of diabetes.

This is the third year of the 'Heads Up on Diabetes' campaign, which calls people to rethink their perception of diabetes and focus on the emotional health and well-being of people living with diabetes.

As well as the mental and physical challenges experiences by those living with diabetes, many also experience blame and shame due to misinformation and face barriers to support. 

There are many myths, misinformation and misconceptions about diabetes, and education and awareness helps break these down. 

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body is unable to convert blood sugar, or glucose, into energy. Insulin is an essential hormone that converts glucose into energy and is required for our bodies to work properly.

People with diabetes either do not produce insulin, or do not produce it in sufficient amounts on their own. Instead of being converted into energy, the glucose stays in the blood resulting in high blood sugar levels. Blood sugar at high levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in your body.

The exact cause of diabetes is unknown and varies case to case, but genetic and environmental factors can play a part.

What is the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes have many things in common, however there are many differences including how to manage them. 
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. It is managed by taking insulin to control your blood sugar levels.