Diabetes

Diabetes image doctor talking to patient

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Diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is often referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes. It is also sometimes known as juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes because it often develops before the age of 40, usually during the teenage years.

In type 1, the pancreas (a small gland behind the stomach) does not produce any insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. If the amount of glucose in the blood is too high, it can seriously damage the body’s organs.

If you have type 1, you will need to take insulin injections for life. You must also make sure that your blood glucose levels stay balanced by eating a healthy diet, taking regular exercise and having regular blood tests.

In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to it. This is known as insulin resistance.

For more information

Find out more at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/

For information about Diabetes services for children, please visit our children’s services pages

Contact us

Diabetes Centre, Alexandra Hospital, Redditch.
01527 512070

Fred Holland Centre for Diabetes, Kidderminster
01562 513239

Diabetes Centre, Worcestershire Royal Hospital
01905 760726

Diabetes Specialist Nursing team

Worcestershire Royal Hospital – wah-tr.southworcsdiabetes@nhs.net

Kidderminster Hospital – wah-tr.wyreforestdiabetes@nhs.net

Alexandra Hospital, Redditch – wah-tr.redditchbromsgrovediabetes@nhs.net

Community Diabetes Dietitians – Wah-tr.worcsdiabetesed@nhs.net