Diabetes | Targeted Conditions
Diabetes
Diabetes is a lifelong condition in which the body cannot properly control blood glucose, because it does not make enough insulin or the insulin it makes does not work effectively.
Book a consultationTwo main typesType 1 is autoimmune; type 2 is linked to insulin resistance and is more common.
Lifelong managementMonitoring, medicines and lifestyle form the core of care.
Never stop insulinDo not change insulin or diabetes medicines without your diabetes team.
How Diabetes develops
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin and may eventually produce too little. Over years, high glucose can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels.
Common signs and symptoms
- Increased thirst and passing urine more often
- Tiredness and weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing cuts and frequent infections
- Many people with type 2 have no symptoms at first
Standard medical care
- Insulin therapy for type 1, and sometimes type 2
- Tablets and injectable medicines for type 2
- Healthy eating, activity and weight management
- Regular checks of eyes, feet, kidneys and blood pressure
Regenerative research
Research includes cell-based approaches that aim to protect or replace insulin-producing cells, and to calm harmful immune activity. Most of this work is experimental. Any such approach should be considered alongside, not instead of, care from your diabetes team.
Evidence status: regenerative cell therapies for this condition are investigational. Results vary between people, and nothing on this page is a promise of benefit. Use them only after discussion with your own specialist.
Trusted patient information
Questions worth asking any clinic
- Is this treatment licensed, or part of a regulated clinical trial?
- What does the published evidence show, and what are the known risks?
- What would it cost, and what happens if it does not help?
- How will my own specialist or GP be kept informed?
This page is for general information only and does not offer a diagnosis or promise any outcome. Always continue the treatment advised by your own doctors.
