Transcription
What to do when youhave Type 2 diabetesAn easy read guide
?What is diabetes?Sometimes yourbody does not makeenough insulin.Sometimes yourbody can’t useinsulin properly.Insulin helps you touse blood sugar.It helps you to beactive.People with diabetesget too much sugarin their blood.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes1
Diabetes can happen to anyone.You will always have diabetes, but the right treatmentwill help you to stay well.2What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetesThere are 2 kinds of diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2.We have got Type 2 diabetes.Type 2 diabetes usually starts in people after the ageof 40.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes3
See a doctorGo to a doctor. Your doctor will give you a check-up.What isdiabetes?Your doctor will tell you what diabetes is.4What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
See a nurseYou can talk to the nurse about diabetes.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes5
See a dietitianYou might get to see a dietitian who knows aboutfood and health.They will help you to choose the right foods to eat.6What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
Useful informationYour doctor or nurse will tell you about Diabetes UKand how it can help you.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes7
Will I feel better?Will mytreatmentmake me feelbetter?Yes, but.Sometimes you may feel unwell.This could be because your blood sugar is too highor too low.8What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
What is blood sugar?Sometimes you need a blood test to check yourblood sugar.Your body makesblood sugar whenyou eat bread,potatoes, and sweetthings like biscuits.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes9
High blood sugarHow do you know if your blood sugar is high? You may feelvery thirsty. You may go tothe loo a lot. You may feel moretired than usual.10What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
Low blood sugarHow do you know if your blood sugar is low? You may feelshaky or dizzy. You may feelsweaty. You may feel verytired and grumpy.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes11
What should I do?Make sure that you:Take the rightmedicineEat the rightfoodHave regularexerciseIf you still feel unwell,you must see yourdoctor or nurse.12What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
Your treatmentAs your body doesnot make enoughinsulin or does notuse it properly, youmay need to taketablets. Sometimes youmay needinjections. You need to eat ahealthy diet. You need toexercise.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes13
Eat regular mealsDon’t miss meals.They will help your body to stay healthy.BreakfastLunchDinner14What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
Choose the right foodsChoose good healthy foods.Eat fruit and vegetable, beans and lentils, meat, fishand dairy products.Fruit and vegetablesTry to eat 5 servingsevery day.Bread, rice, potatoes,pasta and otherstarchy foodsTry to eat some ofthese every day.Meat, fish, eggs, nuts,beans, milk and dairyfoodsYou can eat some ofthese every day.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes15
Be careful with these foodsSome foods have a lot of fat and sugar in them.Don’t eat too much of them.ChipsButter or margarineCheesePastrySugary fizzy drinks16Cakes & biscuitsCrisps & snacksChoose low-fat foods.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
Exercise is good for youWhat to do when you have Type 2 diabetes17
When you are illIf you are ill or have a cold, you must still take yourtablets for diabetes. This is very important.But if you are beingsick or havediarrhoea, call yourdoctor or nurse foradvice.18What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
Check-upsIt is important to have regular check-ups.You should see your doctor or nurse at least onceevery year for a full check-up.You can tell the doctor or nurse if youhave any problems with your diabetes.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes19
Check-upsYou will need to have check-ups for:Your feetYour dietYour eyesYour blood pressureThe doctor or nurse may checkyour wee or take some blood20What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
RememberIt is very important to follow the treatment you aregiven properly.What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes21
RememberEat theright foodsTake themedication atthe right timeTake someexercise tostay fitIf you do all of this it willhelp you to keep well.If you are worried aboutany of this, talk to yourdoctor or nurse.22What to do when you have Type 2 diabetes
More informationFor more information contact:Diabetes UKMacleod House10 ParkwayLondon, NW1 7AAWeb: www.diabetes.org.ukTelephone Diabetes UK Careline:Tel: 0345 123 2399(calls may be recorded for quality andtraining purposes)Email: careline@diabetes.org.ukWhat to do when you have Type 2 diabetes23
This leaflet has been made by:The leading UK diabetes charitythat cares for, connects with andcampaigns alongside people withor at risk of diabetes.With help from CHANGE, a leadingnational human rights organisationled by disabled people.All images CHANGEwww.changepeople.orgThis leaflet was funded by:the NIHR (National Institute forHealth Research) as part of theOK Diabetes project at theUniversity of Leeds
Choose the right foods Choose good healthy foods. Eat fruit and vegetable, beans and lentils, meat, fish and dairy products. Fruit and vegetables Try to eat 5 servings every day. Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods Try to eat some of these every day. Meat, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, milk
