What is HbA1c? | Blood Test | Target Levels | Diabetes UK
HbA1c is your average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last two to three months. If you have diabetes, an ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below. If you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your target HbA1c level should be below 42mmol/mol (6%). On this page we’ll go through what HbA1c means, and why aiming for your target ...
Checking your blood sugar levels | Diabetes testing
Place the device against the side of your finger and press the plunger. Use a different finger each time and a different area. Take your meter with the test strip and hold it against the drop of blood. It’ll tell you if the test strip is filled, usually by beeping. Before …
Prediabetes | Diabetes UK | Reduce risk type 2 diabetes
Preventing type 2 diabetes. Research has consistently shown that for some people combined lifestyle interventions - including diet, physical activity and sustained weight loss - can be effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 50%. Being at risk doesn’t mean you will definitely develop type 2 diabetes.
I have type 2 diabetes – what can I eat? | Diabetes UK
If you've just been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, one of the first things you might be worried about is food. You’re likely to be faced with what seems like an endless list of new tasks. Medical appointments, taking medication, stopping smoking, being more active and eating a healthy, balanced diet – it can all seem so daunting and overwhelming. …
Symptoms of diabetes | Type 1 and Type 2 | Diabetes UK
Thirsty - being really thirsty. Tired - feeling more tired than usual. Thinner - losing weight without trying to. Genital itching or thrush. Cuts and wounds take longer to heal. Blurred eyesight. Increased hunger. These symptoms can affect anyone - adult or child. But some are more commonly experienced by people with type 1 diabetes, and can ...
What is hypoglycaemia? | Signs and symptoms | Diabetes UK
A hypo is when your blood sugar level, also called blood glucose level, drops too low. This is usually below 4mmol/l. A hypo, also called hypoglycaemia, can happen quickly. So it’s important to always have hypo treatments with you. It's also important to know what the signs are and how to treat a hypo if you have one.
Type 2 diabetes | Diabetes UK
Type 2 diabetes is high blood sugar levels due to your body not making enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes not working properly — known as insulin resistance. High blood sugar levels over time can cause other health problems like heart attacks and strokes, as well as problems with your eyes, kidneys, and feet. These are called diabetes complications.
Insulin resistance - Diabetes UK
Insulin resistance is when your body’s cells don’t respond properly to the insulin that your body makes or the insulin you inject as a medication. Because your body cannot use the insulin as it should your blood sugar levels can increase. Although insulin resistance is most commonly linked to type 2 or gestational diabetes you can have ...
Diabetes mellitus | Diabetes the basics | Diabetes UK
Diabetes mellitus is the scientific name for diabetes, but it is more commonly known simply as diabetes. It’s when your body can’t produce enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it produces isn’t effective. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: type 1 and type 2.
What is a healthy, balanced diet for diabetes? | Diabetes UK
try mushrooms, cucumber, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, celery and lettuce for lower carb vegetable options. try avocados, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, plums, peaches and watermelon for lower carb fruit options. Check out our recipes to help you eat a healthy diet for diabetes – we’ve got lots of delicious main meals ...