Daily life with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes programmes

Having diabetes doesn’t have to rule your life. It can feel overwhelming, but no matter how long since your diagnosis, you can benefit from support. It’ll help you manage your diabetes. Ask your doctor or nurse about free diabetes education courses such as X-PERT Health diabetes education and weight loss programmes.

People who go on these courses often feel more confident about managing their diabetes, making healthier food choices, looking after themselves and meeting other people with diabetes. If you’re supporting someone with diabetes, you can usually go along on a face-to-face course with them.

Find out more about diabetes education courses.

Pathway to remission

This programme supports people with type 2 diabetes to achieve remission through weight loss. It offers structured plans and guidance, potentially helping reduce or even stop diabetes medications. Learn more about the NHS Remission Programme Overview or find out if you are eligible. There’s no guarantee your diabetes will go into remission but the only way to know if it’s possible for you is to try it.

Driving with diabetes

For more people with diabetes driving isn’t a problem and you can carry on driving. But diabetes can affect your ability to drive safely.

The three main things that can affect driving are:

if you treat your diabetes with certain medications or insulin you are more at risk of having a hypo (where your blood sugar levels drop below 4mmol/l)
being unable to recognise the warning symptoms of hypos
if you develop diabetic complications

You also need to make the DVLA know that you have diabetes.

GOV.UK have additional guidance for drivers diabetes.

Travelling with diabetes

Living with diabetes shouldn’t be a barrier to taking trips or holidays at home or abroad it just means there are a few more things to think about before you set off. You should plan to take 2 to 3 times the amount of insulin or other diabetes medication and equipment you’d normally use in case you unexpectedly stay for longer than expected. If you’re travelling abroad, a little extra planning can go a long way to help you relax and enjoy yourself.

A doctor’s letter and travel insurance maybe required if you are carrying sharp objects like needles or syringes, liquids in excess of 100ml, medical devices like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), international travel, if you’re travelling with large number of supplies or if you require special assistance. However, it is always good to check this with your airline or travel company.

Learn more about organising future travel with diabetes.

Information for family members

Having family members diagnosed with diabetes can be tough on everyone and Diabetes UK can offer support to you and your family members.

Learn more about support for newly diagnosed families.

If a loved one or friend can’t manage without your help with their diabetes, and you are unpaid, you’re seen as a carer. This is different to providing support as and when needed. Often, the person you’re caring for will have other health conditions too.

If you’re finding it hard to manage practically and financially, you may need help. Find out where and how to get help in the social care and support guide on the NHS website. The charity Carers UK is also there to help you.

As a carer you are entitled to go on a diabetes education course with the person you’re supporting, however long they’ve had diabetes. This will help you feel better informed about helping them look after their diabetes.

Getting pregnant and pregnancy with diabetes

If you have diabetes and are thinking of getting pregnant you will need advice on this, and it is important to speak to a health care professional. Most women with diabetes have a healthy baby but planning for pregnancy with diabetes is really important as you and baby are at more risk of serious health complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The good news with planning ahead is that you can get support from your GP and diabetic team, and this will reduce health risks.

Learn more about pregnancy and diabetes.

Religious practice with diabetes

In some religions fasting is an important spiritual aspect but it can lead to major health problems for someone with diabetes. If you have any symptoms of illness such as cold, COVID-19 or flu, it is best not to fast.

Learn more about religious fasting and diabetes.

Ramadan is one of the longest periods of fasting, learn about diabetes and Ramadan.

Talking Therapies for long term conditions

Talking Therapies are to support adults who may experience stress, depression, or anxiety in the context with their long-term conditions. This is available for patients with diabetes.

Learn more about Talking Therapies for long term conditions.

Useful contacts

A variety of local organisations, support groups and charities across Doncaster provide help and support for people living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.