CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES AND DIABETIC FOOT
Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes glucose in your blood to become too high. It can also cause foot problems.
Diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition. There are two main types of diabetes as well as some rarer ones. They all cause the level of glucose (sugar) in people's blood to become too high.
The hormone insulin is made by the pancreas and controls your blood sugar levels by shifting glucose from the blood into our cells. Here, it’s broken down to give us energy. If you have diabetes, this process doesn’t work and the body can’t convert glucose into energy.
The main symptoms associated with diabetes are:
If you experience a range of these symptoms it’s important to see a consultant as soon as possible, as type 1 diabetes can develop quickly.
Type 1 diabetes
If you have type 1 diabetes you need to take insulin by injecting with an insulin pen or using an insulin pump. Other treatment includes incretin memetics (medication that helps the body to produce insulin when it’s needed).
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes you may need to take insulin or medication such as metformin. This is the first line drug in the management of the condition. Diet and exercise can also be instrumental in keeping blood sugar levels under control.
More recently metabolic surgery, which changes the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, has been proven to be a powerful treatment for Type 2 diabetes. This is a NICE approved surgical option (using bariatric procedures) for individuals with Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Performed laparoscopically, (keyhole surgery), the procedure alters metabolic function to improve glycaemic control, and 50% of patients become diabetes-free. The benefits include a reduction in medication usage, a lowering of cardiovascular disease risk, greater weight loss and ultimately a better quality of life. For more information visit London Bridge Hospital’s Metabolic and Bariatric Centre.
Diabetic foot
Treatment for diabetic foot disease may include:
Cardiology
Urology
Urology
Cardiology
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.