Here you can register for our free health improvement programmes and join hundreds of other people across Fife who have already started their journey towards a healthier lifestyle and the benefits it brings.
The majority of people with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes. If you’re a man over 40, your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes increases with older age and excess weight. We are here to help.
NHS Fife offers a range of free and confidential health improvement programmes, tailored to your own needs.To follow in their footsteps, call 01383 674086 or fill in the online form below.
Referral form
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is a health condition where your body doesn’t make enough insulin or your insulin doesn’t work properly. This means the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood is too high.
Over the long-term, high glucose levels in your blood can lead to damage to the body, including heart, eyes, feet and kidneys. But this damage can be prevented or delayed, and we’re here to help.
If you think you may be at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, or if you have been recently identified as having the condition, there are a number of steps and small lifestyle changes you can make to prevent or to help reverse the disease.
These include:
- losing weight if you're overweight, and maintaining a healthy weight
- eating a healthy, balanced diet
- stopping smoking if you smoke
- drinking alcohol in moderation
- taking plenty of regular exercise
We know that this is not always easy, but you are not alone, and free help and advice is available now.
Type 2 Diabetes - Common questions
So, what is diabetes?
Diabetes is usually a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood glucose (sugar) level to become too high. Problems with the production of the pancreatic hormone insulin, cause the two main types of diabetes:
Type 1 – this is where the pancreas doesn't produce any insulin
Type 2 – this is where the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or the body's cells don't react to insulin
Do I have diabetes?
The common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
- Being really thirsty
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Losing weight without trying to
- Genital itching or thrush
- Cuts and wounds take longer to heal
- Blurred vision
To find out more about diabetes visit NHS Inform.
Complications of diabetes
Over a long period of time, high glucose levels in your blood can seriously damage your heart, your eyes, your feet, and your kidneys. These are known as the complications of diabetes. But with the right treatment and care, you can live a healthy life. Those people choosing to live healthier lifestyles are at much less risk of experiencing these complications.
Why do I need to be aware of diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body's cells don't react to insulin. This means glucose stays in the blood and isn't used as fuel for energy.
Particularly, if you’re a man over 40, your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes increases the older and more overweight you are. However, making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk and even reverse the disease.
Helpful links
Type 2 diabetes - Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform
Diabetes UK - Know diabetes. Fight diabetes. | Diabetes UK
mydiabetesmyway - Information Site (scot.nhs.uk)
Accessible formats
NHS Fife provides a range of ways in which you can communicate with us. You can use our website with its accessible functions, these will help you find and understand the information you need. You can also find a variety of translated materials in community languages and in British Sign Language.
If you require interpreting services, you can contact us by emailing [email protected], by calling 01592 729130, or using the NHS Fife SMS text service on 07805800005 which is available for people who have a hearing or speech impairment.
The Walk Away from Type 2 Diabetes campaign is funded as part of the Scottish Government’s A Healthier Future: Type 2 Diabetes Early Detection, Intervention and Prevention Framework.