1.1 Define the term ‘diabetes’

This guide will help you answer 1.1 Define the term ‘diabetes’.

Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects how the body controls blood sugar, or glucose, levels. Glucose is a type of sugar found in many foods and is the main source of energy for the body’s cells.

Someone with diabetes either cannot produce enough insulin, or their body does not use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. Its main job is to help move glucose from the blood into the cells where it can be used for energy.

When insulin does not function as it should, glucose stays in the blood instead of moving into the cells. This results in high blood sugar levels, or hyperglycaemia. Without appropriate treatment and support, high blood sugar can cause a range of health problems for the person affected.

How Diabetes Disrupts Blood Sugar Balance

The body has a natural system for keeping blood sugar within a healthy range. After eating, the amount of glucose in the blood rises. The pancreas reacts by releasing insulin. This helps bring blood sugar back down by pushing glucose into cells throughout the body. In diabetes, this process does not happen correctly.

Two common issues can occur:

• The body does not produce any insulin (or almost none)
• The body cannot use its insulin efficiently (known as insulin resistance)

When either happens, glucose builds up in the blood, causing health risks.

Main Types of Diabetes

There are different forms of diabetes. The most common types are:

Type 1 Diabetes
The immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin. This type often develops in children or young adults, although it can start at any age. Treatment involves injecting insulin to control blood sugar.

Type 2 Diabetes
The pancreas still makes insulin, but it is not enough or the body’s cells do not respond to it properly. This is called insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetes often develops over time and is linked to factors like age, being overweight, and family history. It is the most common type of diabetes, especially in adults. Treatment may include diet changes, physical activity, oral medication, and sometimes insulin injections.

Gestational Diabetes
This type occurs during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can impact insulin’s work in the body. Usually, it goes away after pregnancy, but it could return later in life as Type 2 diabetes.

There are other rare types, such as maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) and secondary diabetes, but these are less common.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

You may notice certain signs when someone is not controlling their blood sugar well. The classic symptoms often include:

• Feeling tired or lacking energy
• Passing more urine than normal
• Feeling very thirsty
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing wounds
• Recurrent infections, such as thrush

If diabetes is not picked up early, symptoms can develop slowly and may be overlooked, especially in older adults or people with learning disabilities.

The Reason Diabetes Is a Concern

Diabetes can cause serious problems if not managed well. Over time, high blood sugar can damage:

• Blood vessels, leading to heart attacks or strokes
• Kidneys, causing kidney failure
• Nerves, resulting in numbness, pain, or ulcers (especially in the feet)
• Eyes, leading to sight loss

Managing diabetes means reducing these risks, promoting health, and helping people lead full lives.

How Diabetes Differs from Other Conditions

Diabetes is unique because it is about how the body handles glucose, directly linked to insulin. Other conditions may also affect energy levels or cause similar symptoms, but diabetes is specifically about problems with glucose and insulin.

For example, tiredness can result from anaemia or thyroid issues, but those do not usually involve blood sugar or insulin.

Diagnosing Diabetes

Diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests. Common tests include:

• Fasting blood glucose test: Checks blood sugar after not eating for several hours.
• HbA1c test: Measures the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.
• Random blood glucose test: Can be taken at any time to check blood sugar.

A healthcare professional will use results and symptoms to confirm or rule out diabetes.

Misconceptions About Diabetes

It is important to clear up myths. Diabetes is not caused by eating sugar alone. It is more about how the body handles sugar, not how much a person eats. People with diabetes can still enjoy many of the same foods as others when they manage their diet and medication.

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes may be delayed or sometimes prevented with a healthy lifestyle, but many factors play a part.

Role of Health and Social Care Workers

Understanding what diabetes is means you can better support people. Your role may involve:

• Encouraging and helping with healthy eating and activity
• Supporting medication and insulin administration
• Helping clients notice signs of high or low blood sugar
• Recognising and responding to medical emergencies linked to diabetes
• Communicating changes or concerns to healthcare professionals
• Supporting people with personal care who may have complications like poor eyesight or sensitivity in their feet

Providing education, upholding privacy and dignity, and championing informed choices are key.

Practical Support for People with Diabetes

Workers might need to:

• Help monitor blood sugar with finger-prick tests
• Prepare food that suits dietary needs
• Watch for signs of discomfort or confusion, which may suggest unstable blood sugar
• Encourage regular medical reviews and annual checks (e.g. foot examination or eye screening)
• Support emotional wellbeing, as living with diabetes can sometimes lead to worry or frustration

Building good relationships and understanding daily routines makes support more effective.

Impact on Daily Life

Diabetes can affect people’s routines. For example, a person might need to:

• Plan meals and snacks carefully
• Keep track of blood sugar levels throughout the day
• Balance physical activity with their medication or insulin
• Be aware of symptoms of blood sugar highs and lows

Children, adults, and older people may have different support needs. Some need close help, while others manage well with prompts and encouragement.

Recording and Reporting

Every action around a person with diabetes needs to be recorded correctly. Some key details include:

• Blood sugar readings
• Times and doses of medication or insulin
• Symptoms or concerns
• Changes in appetite, behaviour, or mood

Accurate records protect people and help medical teams adjust treatment plans.

Person-Centred Support

Support must always respect the individual’s needs and choices. No two people are the same. Some may wish to be involved in every decision, while others may want more support. Ask about preferences, routines, and wishes. Be flexible and open to change.

Ongoing Developments in Diabetes Care

Medical research continues to change how diabetes is managed. New medications, improved insulin delivery (like pumps or pens), and better monitoring tools (such as continuous glucose monitors) are becoming more common.

Training sessions may cover:

• Latest best practice in medication use
• Recognising new signs of complications
• Using new technology or devices in care

Keeping knowledge up to date helps you provide safer, more effective support.

Promoting Independence

Encouraging independence helps people feel more in control. Skills like planning meals, self-testing blood sugar, or learning what symptoms mean can increase confidence and safety.

Support may involve:

• Reminding clients to take medication
• Helping with meal planning and shopping
• Encouraging gentle exercise suitable for their condition
• Supporting access to peer groups or health advice

Reducing Stigma

Sometimes people feel embarrassed or worried about having diabetes. You can make a big difference. Use positive, inclusive language. Avoid blame. Focus on ability, not disability. Offer information in a kind, practical way.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, diabetes is a condition involving blood sugar and insulin. It happens when the body cannot produce or use insulin as it should. This causes blood sugar levels to rise, which affects health in many ways. There are different types, but all forms involve problems with insulin and glucose.

Understanding diabetes helps you recognise symptoms, support daily life, and spot when medical help is needed. It provides a basis for working safely and confidently in health and social care. Remember, people with diabetes can lead active, meaningful lives—your support plays a key part.

Learning about diabetes also helps you reflect on your own professional practice. Stay alert for changes, keep up to date with training, and always respect the rights and wishes of the people you support. Good care begins with clear, reliable knowledge. By being well-informed, you help others make the best choices for their health and wellbeing.