Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition where your blood glucose level is too high. It can happen when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or the insulin it produces isn't effective, or when your body can't produce any insulin at all.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

What all types of diabetes have in common is that they cause people to have too much glucose (sugar) in their blood. We also need a hormone called insulin that allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies.

Treatment is about trying to keep blood sugars within a target range. Being as active as possible, eating healthily and maintaining a healthy weight is an important factor in managing diabetes. Some people will also need to take insulin or other medication as well as checking their blood sugars regularly. 

Helpful links

Easy read materials

Explainer videos from Diabetes UK

Hybrid Closed Loops (HCL) for people living with type 1 diabetes

Hybrid closed loop systems (HCLs), also referred to as ‘artificial pancreases’, are devices that include an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). These devices use technology to automatically monitor and deliver the required amount of insulin simply and with ease. This helps to keep glucose levels within a desirable range for a person living with type 1 diabetes.

Roll-out in Surrey Heartlands - status May 2024 

NHS England has issued guidance for the roll-out of Hybrid Closed Loops (HCLs) for people living with type 1 diabetes. As soon as we receive further information, which includes confirmation of which HCL devices will be available through a national framework (and therefore what can be offered across Surrey Heartlands), we will work with health system partners to deliver devices through a phased approach   to eligible patients, using a fair and equitable process in line with national guidance from NHS England.

We want to support our patients in having an improved quality of life and increased flexibility in managing their diabetes, and we are committed to following the NICE and NHS England guidance. When we have an update on timelines we will communicate with patients and our health and care partners.

More information about HCLs can be found on the Diabetes UK website: Closed loop systems | Diabetes tech | Diabetes UK.

NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP)

The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, also known as the Healthier You programme, identifies people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and refers them onto a nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme.

The Healthier You programme is available both as a face-to-face group service and as a digital service. When referred into the programme, people are free to choose between the two. The provider for Surrey Heartlands is Living Well, Taking Control.

Digital Weight Management Programme

The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme supports adults living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension or both, to manage their weight and improve their health.

It is a 12-week online behavioural and lifestyle programme that people can access via a smartphone or computer with internet access. The programme is:

  • for adults living with obesity (BMI 30 or greater (adjusted to 27.5 for people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds) plus a diagnosis of diabetes or hypertension or both
  • available via referral from general practice and community pharmacies in England
  • able to provide behavioural and lifestyle interventions delivered over 12 consecutive weeks
  • available for service users to participate via an App or web-based platform.

Healthy Living programme for people with type 2 diabetes

Healthy Living is a free NHS online structured education programme designed to help patients learn more about and live well with type 2 diabetes. The easy-to-use programme 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.

NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is a joint initiative between NHS England and Diabetes UK available to eligible people in England.

This programme provides a low calorie, total diet replacement treatment for people who are living with type 2 diabetes and obesity or overweight.

The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme will not be suitable for everyone and there are some eligibility requirements that people must meet to be involved. These include that individuals must:

  • be aged 18 – 65 years
  • have a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes within the last 6 years
  • have a BMI over 27 kg/m2 (where individuals are from White ethnic groups) or over 25 kg/m2 (where individuals are from Black, Asian and other ethnic groups).

Individuals who are interested in joining the programme can discuss their individual circumstances with their GP at their next appointment to find out whether it is suitable for them. The provider for Surrey Heartlands is Oviva UK.