Type 2 diabetes is high blood sugar levels due to your body not making enough of a hormone called insulin, or the insulin it makes not working properly.
High blood sugar levels over time can cause other health problems like heart attacks and strokes, as well as problems with your eyes, kidneys, and feet. These are called diabetes complications.
Treatment includes regular health checks and getting support to be active, eat healthily, and maintain a healthy weight. You may need to take medication including insulin and check your blood sugars regularly too.
Find out more here:
- Information on Type 2 diabetes (Easy Read): https://www.learningdisabilityservice-leeds.nhs.uk/get-checked-out/resources/your-health/my-health-a-z/diabetes/
- Type 2 diabetes – Diabetes UK: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/types-of-diabetes/type-2
- Type 2 diabetes – NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/
Book onto your local NHS type 2 diabetes education programme
Book yourself onto your local type 2 diabetes education programme:
The LEEDS Programme is an education programme for people with type 2 diabetes. The course covers information about Type 2 diabetes and how a carefully controlled diet, exercise and lifestyle changes can help to prevent longer term complications.
The structured education programme is now being delivered to groups virtually, however it is also offered on a 1:1 basis for those who require reasonable adjustments.
Join the NHS online type 2 diabetes education programme
Healthy Living is a free, online NHS programme that supports people to live well with type 2 diabetes. It includes information and advice about:
- type 2 diabetes
- eating well
- becoming more active
- how to look after your body and mind
- other NHS services and support
- living with diabetes, including driving, working, and travelling
You can use the Healthy Living programme whenever suits you, and for as long as you need – there is no limit to access so you can learn at your own pace. It can also be used alongside any other diabetes programmes or education you may be taking part in.
NHS – Healthy Living: https://www.healthyliving.nhs.uk/
Learn more about managing type 2 diabetes
English – Diabetes self management video
Arabic – Diabetes self management video
Bengali – Diabetes self management video
Punjabi – Diabetes self management video
Roma – Diabetes self management video
Local Type 2 Diabetes support
Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK provides support within Leeds. This includes a peer support group, two Facebook groups and a helpline.
Leeds support group
Diabetes UK’s Leeds peer support group is for people living with, or living with someone, who has any type of diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, LADA, and all other types)
https://volunteer.diabetes.org.uk/teams/leeds/
Search for:
- “Diabetes UK chat: Your Friends in the North”
- “Leeds Diabetes UK Group”
Diabetes UK helpline
Get specialist information and advice on all aspects of living with diabetes. Call them for answers, support or just to talk to someone who knows about diabetes.
Call: 0345 123 2399*, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Email: [email protected]
*Calls to 0345 numbers cost no more than calls to geographic (01 and 02) numbers and must be included in inclusive minutes on mobile phones and discount schemes. Calls from landlines are typically charged between 2p and 10p per minute while calls from mobiles typically cost between 10p and 40p per minute. Calls from landlines and mobiles to 0345 numbers are included in free call packages. Calls may be recorded for quality and training purposes. [Correct at time of publishing].
Community services
Leeds Community Healthcare provides support to people with type 2 diabetes. Their website contains helpful information for people living with type 2 diabetes.
Leeds Community Healthcare diabetes service: https://www.leedscommunityhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-a-z/long-term-conditions/diabetes/