Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of glucose in the blood is too high and the body is unable to use it properly.

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 - This usually affects people under 40 and occurs if the body is unable to produce any insulin. The symptoms develop suddenly. This type of diabetes is treated with insulin injections, diet and physical activity.

Type 2 - This usually affects people over the age of 40 but can develop at any age. The vast majority of people with diabetes have Type 2. The symptoms are usually less obvious and develop relatively slowly. Some people may not notice any symptoms for many years by which time complications associated with diabetes can already have developed. Type 2 diabetes can often be treated very successfully with a healthy balanced diet and physical activity, and if needed, with the addition of tablets or insulin injections.

For more information on Diabetes visit our Health A-Z section

There are currently more than 2.1 million people in the UK who have been diagnosed with diabetes. However it is suspected that there may be up to a further 1 million people who have the condition but are unaware.

The complications associated with diabetes can be serious. Unfortunately, by the time that many people are diagnosed with diabetes, 50% have already developed serious complications which include:

• High blood pressure

• Leg ulcers

Answer the diabetes service ‘Am I at risk?’ questionnaire to see if the service is appropriate for you.

• You will be offered lifestyle advice and advised on ways of reducing your chance of developing diabetes later in life. If appropriate, you may be referred to your doctor.

Initially a doctor will usually try to control diabetes with diet and exercise alone. If this is not sufficient then prescribed medicine(s) will be used to control the condition.

Yes – although diabetes cannot be cured it can be controlled through the combination of healthy diet, exercise and medication.

Not all services are available in all of our pharmacies.

Use our store locator and select the services you require to find your nearest pharmacy where this service is available.

www.lloydspharmacy.com/storelocator