What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where your blood glucose or sugar levels are too high.
There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2 – and some rarer forms of the condition too.
Glucose is essential for our energy levels and is produced from the breakdown of foods in our digestive system, which then enters our blood stream. The hormone produced in our pancreas allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells to provide us with the energy we need to function. This process doesn’t work properly for people with diabetes.
The two types of diabetes are:
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system destroys cells that make the pancreatic hormone and they are then unable to generate the hormone themselves.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the hormone made by the pancreas is not effective or there isn’t enough of it, therefore leaving the glucose in our blood stream with nowhere to go.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Many people have diabetes without realising, but if caught early, it is much easier to manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of further health problems. To confirm whether you have the condition, your GP may conduct a blood and urine test and from there will be able to advise you on the best form of treatment.
What causes type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes generally develops later in life, and is linked to lifestyle choices.
Around 90% of people with the condition have type 2 diabetes, with certain factors making people more susceptible to developing it. These include: smoking; being overweight; drinking too much alcohol; leading a sedentary lifestyle; high blood pressure or a genetic link.
People also tend to develop type 2 diabetes from their late forties onwards, yet this condition is preventable if the correct steps are taken in time such as getting plenty of exercise, eating a balanced diet, not smoking and watching your alcohol intake.
What causes type 1 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is rarer, and is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction.
Far fewer people are living with type 1 diabetes, and this form of the condition isn’t directly affected by external factors such as health and exercise. Triggers for the condition can be caused after an infection, from chemical toxins within food or an underlying genetic disposition.
People with type 1 diabetes manage their glucose levels by regularly checking it throughout the day and injecting a specific hormone into their bodies when blood sugar levels are too high.
Other causes of diabetes
There are other causes of diabetes that tend to be less common than those listed above. These include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pancreatitis, Cushing’s syndrome and continued use of glucocorticoids. The cause of diabetes can depend on the following:
Meet one of our Clinical Nurses, Carole Kerton-Church
Find out more about Carole and her areas of expertise.
With over 25 years’ experience in care and nursing, Carole Kerton-Church is a key member of the Helping Hands clinical nursing team who support our diabetes care services.
Find out more about Carole’s background in healthcare, and why she’s so passionate about ensuring our customers receive the very best care possible.
Carole
Clinical Nurse at Helping Hands
How can a diabetes carer support you?
Diabetes can come with complex care needs. Nurse-supported care from Helping Hands gives you all the support you need, when you need it.
Our clinical nurse team will be on hand to support our carers with medical treatments for people living with diabetes,
and you’ll always have someone available to support you with your condition no matter how much it affects your life.
Support attending appointments
If you struggle to get to appointments by yourself or become anxious in unfamiliar places, we can accompany you every step of the way
Help with your diet
If you aren’t sure how to prepare healthy and nutritious meals, your carer can do this for you at the times of the day that suit you
Assistance with exercise
Your carer will give you the motivation you need to get some fresh air by walking alongside you, as well as helping with physiotherapy exercises
Help getting out and about
A carer can accompany you to the shops, take you to church or help you meet up with friends for coffee at all your favourite spots
Support with household routines
if you do start to struggle with your mobility and are unable to carry out tasks around the house, we can help out whenever you need assistance
Clinical nursing support
Our diabetes care is supported by fully-qualified nurses who provide expert guidance and ensure you’re always getting the attention you need
What are the care options for diabetes?
At Helping Hands, we offer diabetes care on both a visiting and live-in care basis. Below, we’ve outlined some of the main features of each type of care.
Visiting care
Live-in care
How do I arrange diabetes care?
Since 1989, we’ve supported those needing help to be independent in their own homes.
If you’re living with diabetes, we can ensure you get discreet care that is tailored to your specific needs. Trained in supporting you with both your care needs and your emotional wellbeing, our carers are able to support you with everyday tasks ranging from personal care, administering medication and light housework to companionship and someone to accompany you if you struggle getting out and about. That way, you and your loved ones have total peace of mind that you have everything you need to lead a healthy and independent life on your terms.
3 simple steps…
How to organise care
Speak to our team
Our friendly, knowledgeable team can answer your questions and talk you through your options. We are available 7 days a week.
Book a free care assessment
Your local Helping Hands care manager will visit you to understand your needs and preferences and discuss how we can help. We can visit you at home, in hospital or even a care home to carry out the care assessment.
Confirm your care package
We create a tailored care plan for you to review. Once you’ve agreed the plan, we can organise care in as little as 24 hours.
A fully regulated home care provider
Here at Helping Hands, our service is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
This means we need to consistently meet high standards and are monitored by our regulators.
