Diabetes is a growing public health problem. It is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.




The charity Diabetes UK estimates that around 850,000 people in England have diabetes but haven’t been diagnosed.



It’s very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated, potentially leading to eye problems, circulation problems, difficulties maintaining a healthy weight, and general poor health.


Symptoms of diabetes

The main symptoms of diabetes are:

  • feeling very thirsty
  • urinating more frequently than usual, particularly at night
  • feeling very tired
  • weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
  • cuts or wounds that heal slowly
  • blurred vision (caused by the lens of the eye becoming dry)

Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general. Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days.

What causes diabetes?


When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it’s broken down to produce energy.


More help for people with diabetes in Hounslow

People who want to find out more about diabetes should check the Diabetes UK website and consult their GP.

Here is a short video about the Diabetes UK Hounslow voluntary group that aims to raise awareness about diabetes locally:


Hounslow Diabetes Service information can be found here

Diabetes UK has a website here: www.diabetes.org.uk

NHS Choices has comprehensive information here: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes/Pages/Diabetes.aspx