Last updated on June 14th, 2016 at 03:25 pm

Sunday 12 June to Saturday 18 June 2016

With 3.5 million people having already been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and an estimated 550,000 people who are yet to be diagnosed, this is an issue that will affect most people, whether it be personally or through a friend or family member living with the condition.

It is thought that millions of people in the UK are at high risk of type 2 diabetes and that some 80 % of these cases can be prevented. With such a large number of people at risk, Diabetes UK is constantly researching prevention and hopes to develop a cure one day.

There are lots of ways to get involved and show your support for diabetes awareness, whether you arrange your own event, join one of a number of organised events or simply support those who are. There are a number of suggestions on the Diabetes UK website, including hosting a patrons lunch on Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday (12 June 2016), a 22 mile swim to be completed within a three month period, life changing challenges like climbing Kilimanjaro or trekking along the Great Wall of China and many many more!

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. This can either be because your pancreas doesn’t produce sufficient insulin, or the insulin that is produced doesn’t work properly. Insulin is the hormone that allows glucose to enter the body’s cells to be used for energy, enabling us to live our daily lives.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. With type 1 diabetes there is no insulin. Type 2 is where there is insufficient insulin, or the insulin that has been produced is not working properly.

Diabetes symptoms not to ignore:

• passing urine more often than usual, especially at night
• increased thirst
• extreme tiredness
• unexplained weight loss
• genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
• slow healing of cuts and wounds
• blurred vision

A combination of these symptoms may be a sign of diabetes. Don’t be afraid and don’t delay, go and see your GP for a thorough examination. Although the symptoms aren’t always caused by diabetes, it is still essential that the cause be identified and treated as soon as possible, as untreated diabetes can cause a number of short and long term health problems, including:

• heart disease
• stroke
• angina
• atherosclerosis – where the blood vessels become clogged up and narrowed by fatty substances
• peripheral neuropathy – those parts of the nervous system that lie outside the central nervous system
• diabetic retinopathy – when the retina becomes damaged resulting in poor/loss of vision
• kidney failure resulting in the need for kidney replacement treatment with dialysis, or sometimes kidney transplantation
• foot ulcer
• amputation
• sexual dysfunction
• increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth

The outlook

Diabetes is a serious long term condition, but with early diagnosis together with careful management, proper education and support it is possible to avoid the associated complications that can occur.

Not only is support provided by your care team, which will include specialist doctors and nurses, but ophthalmologists, pharmacists, podiatrists and dieticians. Help and advice is also available at local support groups.

Sadly, however, there may be occasions whereby the condition is not recognised or treated appropriately which can result in long term life-threatening conditions occurring.

How we can help?

If you believe that you have suffered a serious, life changing event or a deterioration in in your condition following delayed diagnosis or treatment then you may have a claim.

We understand the importance of compensation to you as it can greatly improve quality of life for you and your family and provide the care and security that is needed.

If you would like to talk to a member of our specialist team then please contact us for a confidential and free discussion today.