Diabetes

Overview

Diabetes is a long-term condition in which the body cannot properly regulate blood-glucose levels. Persistently high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, raising the risk of heart attack, kidney failure, vision loss and stroke. Early diagnosis, lifestyle support and specialist care are essential to prevent life-threatening complications.

Type of Diabetes

Type 1

Auto-immune destruction of insulin-producing cells; usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood

Type 2

The body becomes resistant to insulin or produces too little; strongly linked to obesity, age > 40, family history and ethnicity

Gestational

Diabetes first recognised in pregnancy; increases future risk of Type 2

Symptoms to Watch For

• Excessive thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Recurrent infections or slow-healing wounds
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Seek medical advice if you experience persistent symptoms — early treatment can dramatically reduce complications.

Serious Complications

Uncontrolled diabetes accelerates atherosclerosis and doubles the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Other long-term complications include:

• Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)
• Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) causing pain or numbness
• Foot ulcers that may lead to amputation
• Diabetic retinopathy, the UK’s leading cause of preventable blindness

Diagnosis

Our endocrinology team offers same-day testing:

• HbA1c blood test (average glucose)
• Fasting plasma glucose
• Oral glucose-tolerance test (if needed)
• Screening for cholesterol, kidney and eye health

Treatment & Long-Term Management

Lifestyle support

• Weight management, dietician-led meal planning & activity programmes
• Smoking-cessation services to reduce cardiovascular risk

Medication & technologies

• Tablets (metformin and others) or insulin therapy
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and insulin-pump training where appropriate

Complication prevention

• Blood-pressure and cholesterol control
• Annual foot, eye and renal checks
• Close liaison with our Stroke Prevention and Cardiology services for high-risk patients

Why Choose Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• Consultant endocrinologists & diabetes specialist nurses
• On-site retinal photography, podiatry, dietetics and cardiac screening
• Personalised education programmes for Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes
• Integrated pathways with stroke, vascular and renal teams
• Private suites, minimal waits, and 24/7 nursing support

Take control of diabetes before complications strike. Contact Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital for expert diagnosis and individualised care.