Having diabetes means that you are more likely to develop problems with your feet, including foot ulcers and infections from minor cuts and grazes. This is because blood glucose can damage the nerves in your feet.

To prevent problems with your feet, keep your nails short and wash your feet daily using warm water. Wear shoes that fit properly and see a podiatrist or chiropodist (a specialist in foot care) regularly so that any problems are detected early.

Regularly check your feet for cuts, blisters or grazes because you may not be able to feel them if the nerves in your feet are damaged. See your GP if you have a minor foot injury that does not start to heal within a few days.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Feet

If you have type 1 diabetes, have your eyes tested at least once a year to check for retinopathy.

Retinopathy is an eye condition where the small blood vessels in your eye become damaged. It can occur if your blood glucose level is too high for a long time (hyperglycaemia). If it is not treated, retinopathy can eventually cause blindness.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Eyes

If you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, it is a good idea to discuss this with your diabetes care team.

A planned pregnancy enables you to make sure your blood sugar levels are as well controlled as possible before you get pregnant.

You will need to keep your blood sugar under tight control, particularly before becoming pregnant and during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of the baby developing serious birth defects.

In addition to this, you should:

• Take a higher dose of folic acid tablets. Folic acid helps prevent your baby developing spinal cord problems. Doctors now recommend that all women planning to have a baby take folic acid. Women with diabetes are advised to take 5mg each day (only available on prescription).
• Have your eyes checked. Retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels in the eyes, is a risk for all people with diabetes. Pregnancy can place extra pressure on the small vessels in your eyes, so it is important to treat retinopathy before you become pregnant.

Your GP or diabetes care team can give you further advice. Diabetes UK also provides useful information to help you get your pregnancy off to a healthy start. Read more about diabetes in pregnancy.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Pregnancy and diabetes

You will be best equipped to manage your diabetes if you are given information and education when you are diagnosed and on an ongoing basis.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) strongly recommends that all people who have diabetes should be offered a structured patient education programme, providing information and education to help them care for themselves.

This gives people the best chance of developing the skills they need to effectively treat their diabetes, maintain their glucose levels close to normal and help prevent long-term complications. It also reduces the risk of developing hypoglycaemia.

Structured patient education

Structured patient education means that there is a planned course that:

• covers all aspects of diabetes
• is flexible in content
• is relevant to a person’s clinical and psychological needs
• is adaptable to a person’s educational and cultural background

For type 1 diabetes, there is a national patient education programme called the DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating).

DAFNE is a skills-based course in which people with type 1 diabetes learn how to adjust their insulin dose to suit what they eat, rather than having to eat to match their insulin doses.

There are also several local adult education programmes, many of which are working towards the criteria for structured education. Ask your diabetes care team about the adult education programmes they provide.

Want to know more?

• DAFNE

For any parent whose child is diagnosed with a life-long, chronic condition, the tough job of parenting becomes even tougher.

Although having type 1 diabetes involves coming to terms with the diagnosis, getting used to treatment and making changes to everyday life, your child can still lead a normal and healthy life.

Diabetes UK Care Advisor Libby Dowling offers her advice to parents of children with diabetes:

• Get the knowledge: make sure you understand what diabetes is, what blood glucose targets are and what your child should aim for, and how insulin or insulin pumps work. Don’t be afraid to ask your care team any questions you want. No question is a silly question, and it’s more than likely they’ve heard it before. Ask your care team for relevant leaflets about diabetes that you can take away.
• Get the skills: make sure you’re confident about the practical aspects of your child’s care. Know how to inject or manage a pump, monitor blood glucose, treat hypos, provide a healthy, balanced diet and know how illness, such as colds or fever, can affect your child’s blood glucose levels. 
• Know what care to expect: your child has the right to be treated by a specialist paediatric diabetes team, not just in a general paediatric clinic. You should also have access to a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN). Ask for the contact numbers of your care team in case of an emergency.
• Get emotional support and start talking: feelings of depression, guilt or anger are normal, so talk to your healthcare team or ask to see a psychologist for you or your child. Ask to meet another family or go on a Diabetes UK family support weekend. Meeting other families and knowing that you’re not alone always helps. 
• Work with your child’s school and teachers: agree on a healthcare plan for your child with the school and your PDSN. This should cover who gives injections and monitors blood glucose and when and whether a private area is available if your child isn’t comfortable injecting in front of their classmates. Other things to consider include sharps disposal, sweet snacks in case of hypos, PE and other sporting activities. School is a big part of a child’s life so take the time to ensure your child’s head teacher, teachers and classmates are educated and involved. 
• Make sure life goes on: allow yourself and your child to experience normal daily routines. If your child used to spend afternoons or sleepovers at friends’ houses, ensure that this still happens. You can’t be with your child 24 hours a day, so share responsibility and allow your family and friends to help. If you have other children, make sure they get your attention too. Don’t rule out sweets completely. Diabetes means low sugar, not no sugar.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Caring for children with diabetes

Many people find it helpful to talk to others in a similar position, and you may find support from a group for people with diabetes.

Patient organisations have local groups where you can meet others who have been diagnosed with the condition.

The Diabetes UK website enables you to find your local diabetes support group. If you want to contact a trained counsellor directly, you can phone Diabetes UK’s care line on 0845 120 2960 or email careline@diabetes.org.uk.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) also holds regular local events.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Supporting each other
• JDRF: In your region

If your diabetes is controlled by medication, you are entitled to free prescriptions and eye examinations.

Some people with diabetes may be eligible for disability benefits and incapacity benefits, depending on the impact the condition has on their life.

The main groups likely to qualify for welfare benefits are children, elderly people, people with learning disabilities or mental health problems, and those with diabetic complications.

People over 65 who are severely disabled, may qualify for a type of disability benefit called Attendance Allowance.

Carers may also be entitled to some benefit too, depending on their involvement in caring for the person with diabetes.

Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) can check whether you are getting all of the benefits you are entitled to. They, as well as your diabetes specialist nurse, should also be able to give you advice about filling in the forms.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Financial entitlements benefits
• Carers Direct
• DirectGov: Benefits and financial support
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Money Advice Service

Having diabetes means that you are more likely to develop problems with your feet, including foot ulcers and infections from minor cuts and grazes. This is because blood glucose can damage the nerves in your feet.

To prevent problems with your feet, keep your nails short and wash your feet daily using warm water. Wear shoes that fit properly and see a podiatrist or chiropodist (a specialist in foot care) regularly so that any problems are detected early.

Regularly check your feet for cuts, blisters or grazes because you may not be able to feel them if the nerves in your feet are damaged. See your GP if you have a minor foot injury that does not start to heal within a few days.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Feet

If you have type 1 diabetes, have your eyes tested at least once a year to check for retinopathy.

Retinopathy is an eye condition where the small blood vessels in your eye become damaged. It can occur if your blood glucose level is too high for a long time (hyperglycaemia). If it is not treated, retinopathy can eventually cause blindness.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Eyes

If you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, it is a good idea to discuss this with your diabetes care team.

A planned pregnancy enables you to make sure your blood sugar levels are as well controlled as possible before you get pregnant.

You will need to keep your blood sugar under tight control, particularly before becoming pregnant and during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of the baby developing serious birth defects.

In addition to this, you should:

• Take a higher dose of folic acid tablets. Folic acid helps prevent your baby developing spinal cord problems. Doctors now recommend that all women planning to have a baby take folic acid. Women with diabetes are advised to take 5mg each day (only available on prescription).
• Have your eyes checked. Retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels in the eyes, is a risk for all people with diabetes. Pregnancy can place extra pressure on the small vessels in your eyes, so it is important to treat retinopathy before you become pregnant.

Your GP or diabetes care team can give you further advice. Diabetes UK also provides useful information to help you get your pregnancy off to a healthy start. Read more about diabetes in pregnancy.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Pregnancy and diabetes

You will be best equipped to manage your diabetes if you are given information and education when you are diagnosed and on an ongoing basis.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) strongly recommends that all people who have diabetes should be offered a structured patient education programme, providing information and education to help them care for themselves.

This gives people the best chance of developing the skills they need to effectively treat their diabetes, maintain their glucose levels close to normal and help prevent long-term complications. It also reduces the risk of developing hypoglycaemia.

Structured patient education

Structured patient education means that there is a planned course that:

• covers all aspects of diabetes
• is flexible in content
• is relevant to a person’s clinical and psychological needs
• is adaptable to a person’s educational and cultural background

For type 1 diabetes, there is a national patient education programme called the DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating).

DAFNE is a skills-based course in which people with type 1 diabetes learn how to adjust their insulin dose to suit what they eat, rather than having to eat to match their insulin doses.

There are also several local adult education programmes, many of which are working towards the criteria for structured education. Ask your diabetes care team about the adult education programmes they provide.

Want to know more?

• DAFNE

For any parent whose child is diagnosed with a life-long, chronic condition, the tough job of parenting becomes even tougher.

Although having type 1 diabetes involves coming to terms with the diagnosis, getting used to treatment and making changes to everyday life, your child can still lead a normal and healthy life.

Diabetes UK Care Advisor Libby Dowling offers her advice to parents of children with diabetes:

• Get the knowledge: make sure you understand what diabetes is, what blood glucose targets are and what your child should aim for, and how insulin or insulin pumps work. Don’t be afraid to ask your care team any questions you want. No question is a silly question, and it’s more than likely they’ve heard it before. Ask your care team for relevant leaflets about diabetes that you can take away.
• Get the skills: make sure you’re confident about the practical aspects of your child’s care. Know how to inject or manage a pump, monitor blood glucose, treat hypos, provide a healthy, balanced diet and know how illness, such as colds or fever, can affect your child’s blood glucose levels. 
• Know what care to expect: your child has the right to be treated by a specialist paediatric diabetes team, not just in a general paediatric clinic. You should also have access to a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN). Ask for the contact numbers of your care team in case of an emergency.
• Get emotional support and start talking: feelings of depression, guilt or anger are normal, so talk to your healthcare team or ask to see a psychologist for you or your child. Ask to meet another family or go on a Diabetes UK family support weekend. Meeting other families and knowing that you’re not alone always helps. 
• Work with your child’s school and teachers: agree on a healthcare plan for your child with the school and your PDSN. This should cover who gives injections and monitors blood glucose and when and whether a private area is available if your child isn’t comfortable injecting in front of their classmates. Other things to consider include sharps disposal, sweet snacks in case of hypos, PE and other sporting activities. School is a big part of a child’s life so take the time to ensure your child’s head teacher, teachers and classmates are educated and involved. 
• Make sure life goes on: allow yourself and your child to experience normal daily routines. If your child used to spend afternoons or sleepovers at friends’ houses, ensure that this still happens. You can’t be with your child 24 hours a day, so share responsibility and allow your family and friends to help. If you have other children, make sure they get your attention too. Don’t rule out sweets completely. Diabetes means low sugar, not no sugar.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Caring for children with diabetes

Many people find it helpful to talk to others in a similar position, and you may find support from a group for people with diabetes.

Patient organisations have local groups where you can meet others who have been diagnosed with the condition.

The Diabetes UK website enables you to find your local diabetes support group. If you want to contact a trained counsellor directly, you can phone Diabetes UK’s care line on 0845 120 2960 or email careline@diabetes.org.uk.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) also holds regular local events.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Supporting each other
• JDRF: In your region

If your diabetes is controlled by medication, you are entitled to free prescriptions and eye examinations.

Some people with diabetes may be eligible for disability benefits and incapacity benefits, depending on the impact the condition has on their life.

The main groups likely to qualify for welfare benefits are children, elderly people, people with learning disabilities or mental health problems, and those with diabetic complications.

People over 65 who are severely disabled, may qualify for a type of disability benefit called Attendance Allowance.

Carers may also be entitled to some benefit too, depending on their involvement in caring for the person with diabetes.

Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) can check whether you are getting all of the benefits you are entitled to. They, as well as your diabetes specialist nurse, should also be able to give you advice about filling in the forms.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Financial entitlements benefits
• Carers Direct
• DirectGov: Benefits and financial support
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Money Advice Service

Having diabetes means that you are more likely to develop problems with your feet, including foot ulcers and infections from minor cuts and grazes. This is because blood glucose can damage the nerves in your feet.

To prevent problems with your feet, keep your nails short and wash your feet daily using warm water. Wear shoes that fit properly and see a podiatrist or chiropodist (a specialist in foot care) regularly so that any problems are detected early.

Regularly check your feet for cuts, blisters or grazes because you may not be able to feel them if the nerves in your feet are damaged. See your GP if you have a minor foot injury that does not start to heal within a few days.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Feet

If you have type 1 diabetes, have your eyes tested at least once a year to check for retinopathy.

Retinopathy is an eye condition where the small blood vessels in your eye become damaged. It can occur if your blood glucose level is too high for a long time (hyperglycaemia). If it is not treated, retinopathy can eventually cause blindness.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Eyes

If you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, it is a good idea to discuss this with your diabetes care team.

A planned pregnancy enables you to make sure your blood sugar levels are as well controlled as possible before you get pregnant.

You will need to keep your blood sugar under tight control, particularly before becoming pregnant and during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of the baby developing serious birth defects.

In addition to this, you should:

• Take a higher dose of folic acid tablets. Folic acid helps prevent your baby developing spinal cord problems. Doctors now recommend that all women planning to have a baby take folic acid. Women with diabetes are advised to take 5mg each day (only available on prescription).
• Have your eyes checked. Retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels in the eyes, is a risk for all people with diabetes. Pregnancy can place extra pressure on the small vessels in your eyes, so it is important to treat retinopathy before you become pregnant.

Your GP or diabetes care team can give you further advice. Diabetes UK also provides useful information to help you get your pregnancy off to a healthy start. Read more about diabetes in pregnancy.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Pregnancy and diabetes

You will be best equipped to manage your diabetes if you are given information and education when you are diagnosed and on an ongoing basis.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) strongly recommends that all people who have diabetes should be offered a structured patient education programme, providing information and education to help them care for themselves.

This gives people the best chance of developing the skills they need to effectively treat their diabetes, maintain their glucose levels close to normal and help prevent long-term complications. It also reduces the risk of developing hypoglycaemia.

Structured patient education

Structured patient education means that there is a planned course that:

• covers all aspects of diabetes
• is flexible in content
• is relevant to a person’s clinical and psychological needs
• is adaptable to a person’s educational and cultural background

For type 1 diabetes, there is a national patient education programme called the DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating).

DAFNE is a skills-based course in which people with type 1 diabetes learn how to adjust their insulin dose to suit what they eat, rather than having to eat to match their insulin doses.

There are also several local adult education programmes, many of which are working towards the criteria for structured education. Ask your diabetes care team about the adult education programmes they provide.

Want to know more?

• DAFNE

For any parent whose child is diagnosed with a life-long, chronic condition, the tough job of parenting becomes even tougher.

Although having type 1 diabetes involves coming to terms with the diagnosis, getting used to treatment and making changes to everyday life, your child can still lead a normal and healthy life.

Diabetes UK Care Advisor Libby Dowling offers her advice to parents of children with diabetes:

• Get the knowledge: make sure you understand what diabetes is, what blood glucose targets are and what your child should aim for, and how insulin or insulin pumps work. Don’t be afraid to ask your care team any questions you want. No question is a silly question, and it’s more than likely they’ve heard it before. Ask your care team for relevant leaflets about diabetes that you can take away.
• Get the skills: make sure you’re confident about the practical aspects of your child’s care. Know how to inject or manage a pump, monitor blood glucose, treat hypos, provide a healthy, balanced diet and know how illness, such as colds or fever, can affect your child’s blood glucose levels. 
• Know what care to expect: your child has the right to be treated by a specialist paediatric diabetes team, not just in a general paediatric clinic. You should also have access to a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN). Ask for the contact numbers of your care team in case of an emergency.
• Get emotional support and start talking: feelings of depression, guilt or anger are normal, so talk to your healthcare team or ask to see a psychologist for you or your child. Ask to meet another family or go on a Diabetes UK family support weekend. Meeting other families and knowing that you’re not alone always helps. 
• Work with your child’s school and teachers: agree on a healthcare plan for your child with the school and your PDSN. This should cover who gives injections and monitors blood glucose and when and whether a private area is available if your child isn’t comfortable injecting in front of their classmates. Other things to consider include sharps disposal, sweet snacks in case of hypos, PE and other sporting activities. School is a big part of a child’s life so take the time to ensure your child’s head teacher, teachers and classmates are educated and involved. 
• Make sure life goes on: allow yourself and your child to experience normal daily routines. If your child used to spend afternoons or sleepovers at friends’ houses, ensure that this still happens. You can’t be with your child 24 hours a day, so share responsibility and allow your family and friends to help. If you have other children, make sure they get your attention too. Don’t rule out sweets completely. Diabetes means low sugar, not no sugar.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Caring for children with diabetes

Many people find it helpful to talk to others in a similar position, and you may find support from a group for people with diabetes.

Patient organisations have local groups where you can meet others who have been diagnosed with the condition.

The Diabetes UK website enables you to find your local diabetes support group. If you want to contact a trained counsellor directly, you can phone Diabetes UK’s care line on 0845 120 2960 or email careline@diabetes.org.uk.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) also holds regular local events.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Supporting each other
• JDRF: In your region

If your diabetes is controlled by medication, you are entitled to free prescriptions and eye examinations.

Some people with diabetes may be eligible for disability benefits and incapacity benefits, depending on the impact the condition has on their life.

The main groups likely to qualify for welfare benefits are children, elderly people, people with learning disabilities or mental health problems, and those with diabetic complications.

People over 65 who are severely disabled, may qualify for a type of disability benefit called Attendance Allowance.

Carers may also be entitled to some benefit too, depending on their involvement in caring for the person with diabetes.

Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) can check whether you are getting all of the benefits you are entitled to. They, as well as your diabetes specialist nurse, should also be able to give you advice about filling in the forms.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Financial entitlements benefits
• Carers Direct
• DirectGov: Benefits and financial support
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Money Advice Service

Having diabetes means that you are more likely to develop problems with your feet, including foot ulcers and infections from minor cuts and grazes. This is because blood glucose can damage the nerves in your feet.

To prevent problems with your feet, keep your nails short and wash your feet daily using warm water. Wear shoes that fit properly and see a podiatrist or chiropodist (a specialist in foot care) regularly so that any problems are detected early.

Regularly check your feet for cuts, blisters or grazes because you may not be able to feel them if the nerves in your feet are damaged. See your GP if you have a minor foot injury that does not start to heal within a few days.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Feet

If you have type 1 diabetes, have your eyes tested at least once a year to check for retinopathy.

Retinopathy is an eye condition where the small blood vessels in your eye become damaged. It can occur if your blood glucose level is too high for a long time (hyperglycaemia). If it is not treated, retinopathy can eventually cause blindness.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Eyes

If you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, it is a good idea to discuss this with your diabetes care team.

A planned pregnancy enables you to make sure your blood sugar levels are as well controlled as possible before you get pregnant.

You will need to keep your blood sugar under tight control, particularly before becoming pregnant and during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of the baby developing serious birth defects.

In addition to this, you should:

• Take a higher dose of folic acid tablets. Folic acid helps prevent your baby developing spinal cord problems. Doctors now recommend that all women planning to have a baby take folic acid. Women with diabetes are advised to take 5mg each day (only available on prescription).
• Have your eyes checked. Retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels in the eyes, is a risk for all people with diabetes. Pregnancy can place extra pressure on the small vessels in your eyes, so it is important to treat retinopathy before you become pregnant.

Your GP or diabetes care team can give you further advice. Diabetes UK also provides useful information to help you get your pregnancy off to a healthy start. Read more about diabetes in pregnancy.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Pregnancy and diabetes

You will be best equipped to manage your diabetes if you are given information and education when you are diagnosed and on an ongoing basis.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) strongly recommends that all people who have diabetes should be offered a structured patient education programme, providing information and education to help them care for themselves.

This gives people the best chance of developing the skills they need to effectively treat their diabetes, maintain their glucose levels close to normal and help prevent long-term complications. It also reduces the risk of developing hypoglycaemia.

Structured patient education

Structured patient education means that there is a planned course that:

• covers all aspects of diabetes
• is flexible in content
• is relevant to a person’s clinical and psychological needs
• is adaptable to a person’s educational and cultural background

For type 1 diabetes, there is a national patient education programme called the DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating).

DAFNE is a skills-based course in which people with type 1 diabetes learn how to adjust their insulin dose to suit what they eat, rather than having to eat to match their insulin doses.

There are also several local adult education programmes, many of which are working towards the criteria for structured education. Ask your diabetes care team about the adult education programmes they provide.

Want to know more?

• DAFNE

For any parent whose child is diagnosed with a life-long, chronic condition, the tough job of parenting becomes even tougher.

Although having type 1 diabetes involves coming to terms with the diagnosis, getting used to treatment and making changes to everyday life, your child can still lead a normal and healthy life.

Diabetes UK Care Advisor Libby Dowling offers her advice to parents of children with diabetes:

• Get the knowledge: make sure you understand what diabetes is, what blood glucose targets are and what your child should aim for, and how insulin or insulin pumps work. Don’t be afraid to ask your care team any questions you want. No question is a silly question, and it’s more than likely they’ve heard it before. Ask your care team for relevant leaflets about diabetes that you can take away.
• Get the skills: make sure you’re confident about the practical aspects of your child’s care. Know how to inject or manage a pump, monitor blood glucose, treat hypos, provide a healthy, balanced diet and know how illness, such as colds or fever, can affect your child’s blood glucose levels. 
• Know what care to expect: your child has the right to be treated by a specialist paediatric diabetes team, not just in a general paediatric clinic. You should also have access to a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN). Ask for the contact numbers of your care team in case of an emergency.
• Get emotional support and start talking: feelings of depression, guilt or anger are normal, so talk to your healthcare team or ask to see a psychologist for you or your child. Ask to meet another family or go on a Diabetes UK family support weekend. Meeting other families and knowing that you’re not alone always helps. 
• Work with your child’s school and teachers: agree on a healthcare plan for your child with the school and your PDSN. This should cover who gives injections and monitors blood glucose and when and whether a private area is available if your child isn’t comfortable injecting in front of their classmates. Other things to consider include sharps disposal, sweet snacks in case of hypos, PE and other sporting activities. School is a big part of a child’s life so take the time to ensure your child’s head teacher, teachers and classmates are educated and involved. 
• Make sure life goes on: allow yourself and your child to experience normal daily routines. If your child used to spend afternoons or sleepovers at friends’ houses, ensure that this still happens. You can’t be with your child 24 hours a day, so share responsibility and allow your family and friends to help. If you have other children, make sure they get your attention too. Don’t rule out sweets completely. Diabetes means low sugar, not no sugar.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Caring for children with diabetes

Many people find it helpful to talk to others in a similar position, and you may find support from a group for people with diabetes.

Patient organisations have local groups where you can meet others who have been diagnosed with the condition.

The Diabetes UK website enables you to find your local diabetes support group. If you want to contact a trained counsellor directly, you can phone Diabetes UK’s care line on 0845 120 2960 or email careline@diabetes.org.uk.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) also holds regular local events.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Supporting each other
• JDRF: In your region

If your diabetes is controlled by medication, you are entitled to free prescriptions and eye examinations.

Some people with diabetes may be eligible for disability benefits and incapacity benefits, depending on the impact the condition has on their life.

The main groups likely to qualify for welfare benefits are children, elderly people, people with learning disabilities or mental health problems, and those with diabetic complications.

People over 65 who are severely disabled, may qualify for a type of disability benefit called Attendance Allowance.

Carers may also be entitled to some benefit too, depending on their involvement in caring for the person with diabetes.

Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) can check whether you are getting all of the benefits you are entitled to. They, as well as your diabetes specialist nurse, should also be able to give you advice about filling in the forms.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Financial entitlements benefits
• Carers Direct
• DirectGov: Benefits and financial support
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Money Advice Service

Having diabetes means that you are more likely to develop problems with your feet, including foot ulcers and infections from minor cuts and grazes. This is because blood glucose can damage the nerves in your feet.

To prevent problems with your feet, keep your nails short and wash your feet daily using warm water. Wear shoes that fit properly and see a podiatrist or chiropodist (a specialist in foot care) regularly so that any problems are detected early.

Regularly check your feet for cuts, blisters or grazes because you may not be able to feel them if the nerves in your feet are damaged. See your GP if you have a minor foot injury that does not start to heal within a few days.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Feet

If you have type 1 diabetes, have your eyes tested at least once a year to check for retinopathy.

Retinopathy is an eye condition where the small blood vessels in your eye become damaged. It can occur if your blood glucose level is too high for a long time (hyperglycaemia). If it is not treated, retinopathy can eventually cause blindness.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Eyes

If you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, it is a good idea to discuss this with your diabetes care team.

A planned pregnancy enables you to make sure your blood sugar levels are as well controlled as possible before you get pregnant.

You will need to keep your blood sugar under tight control, particularly before becoming pregnant and during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, to reduce the risk of the baby developing serious birth defects.

In addition to this, you should:

• Take a higher dose of folic acid tablets. Folic acid helps prevent your baby developing spinal cord problems. Doctors now recommend that all women planning to have a baby take folic acid. Women with diabetes are advised to take 5mg each day (only available on prescription).
• Have your eyes checked. Retinopathy, which affects the blood vessels in the eyes, is a risk for all people with diabetes. Pregnancy can place extra pressure on the small vessels in your eyes, so it is important to treat retinopathy before you become pregnant.

Your GP or diabetes care team can give you further advice. Diabetes UK also provides useful information to help you get your pregnancy off to a healthy start. Read more about diabetes in pregnancy.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Pregnancy and diabetes

You will be best equipped to manage your diabetes if you are given information and education when you are diagnosed and on an ongoing basis.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) strongly recommends that all people who have diabetes should be offered a structured patient education programme, providing information and education to help them care for themselves.

This gives people the best chance of developing the skills they need to effectively treat their diabetes, maintain their glucose levels close to normal and help prevent long-term complications. It also reduces the risk of developing hypoglycaemia.

Structured patient education

Structured patient education means that there is a planned course that:

• covers all aspects of diabetes
• is flexible in content
• is relevant to a person’s clinical and psychological needs
• is adaptable to a person’s educational and cultural background

For type 1 diabetes, there is a national patient education programme called the DAFNE (Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating).

DAFNE is a skills-based course in which people with type 1 diabetes learn how to adjust their insulin dose to suit what they eat, rather than having to eat to match their insulin doses.

There are also several local adult education programmes, many of which are working towards the criteria for structured education. Ask your diabetes care team about the adult education programmes they provide.

Want to know more?

• DAFNE

For any parent whose child is diagnosed with a life-long, chronic condition, the tough job of parenting becomes even tougher.

Although having type 1 diabetes involves coming to terms with the diagnosis, getting used to treatment and making changes to everyday life, your child can still lead a normal and healthy life.

Diabetes UK Care Advisor Libby Dowling offers her advice to parents of children with diabetes:

• Get the knowledge: make sure you understand what diabetes is, what blood glucose targets are and what your child should aim for, and how insulin or insulin pumps work. Don’t be afraid to ask your care team any questions you want. No question is a silly question, and it’s more than likely they’ve heard it before. Ask your care team for relevant leaflets about diabetes that you can take away.
• Get the skills: make sure you’re confident about the practical aspects of your child’s care. Know how to inject or manage a pump, monitor blood glucose, treat hypos, provide a healthy, balanced diet and know how illness, such as colds or fever, can affect your child’s blood glucose levels. 
• Know what care to expect: your child has the right to be treated by a specialist paediatric diabetes team, not just in a general paediatric clinic. You should also have access to a paediatric diabetes specialist nurse (PDSN). Ask for the contact numbers of your care team in case of an emergency.
• Get emotional support and start talking: feelings of depression, guilt or anger are normal, so talk to your healthcare team or ask to see a psychologist for you or your child. Ask to meet another family or go on a Diabetes UK family support weekend. Meeting other families and knowing that you’re not alone always helps. 
• Work with your child’s school and teachers: agree on a healthcare plan for your child with the school and your PDSN. This should cover who gives injections and monitors blood glucose and when and whether a private area is available if your child isn’t comfortable injecting in front of their classmates. Other things to consider include sharps disposal, sweet snacks in case of hypos, PE and other sporting activities. School is a big part of a child’s life so take the time to ensure your child’s head teacher, teachers and classmates are educated and involved. 
• Make sure life goes on: allow yourself and your child to experience normal daily routines. If your child used to spend afternoons or sleepovers at friends’ houses, ensure that this still happens. You can’t be with your child 24 hours a day, so share responsibility and allow your family and friends to help. If you have other children, make sure they get your attention too. Don’t rule out sweets completely. Diabetes means low sugar, not no sugar.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Caring for children with diabetes

Many people find it helpful to talk to others in a similar position, and you may find support from a group for people with diabetes.

Patient organisations have local groups where you can meet others who have been diagnosed with the condition.

The Diabetes UK website enables you to find your local diabetes support group. If you want to contact a trained counsellor directly, you can phone Diabetes UK’s care line on 0845 120 2960 or email careline@diabetes.org.uk.

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) also holds regular local events.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Supporting each other
• JDRF: In your region

If your diabetes is controlled by medication, you are entitled to free prescriptions and eye examinations.

Some people with diabetes may be eligible for disability benefits and incapacity benefits, depending on the impact the condition has on their life.

The main groups likely to qualify for welfare benefits are children, elderly people, people with learning disabilities or mental health problems, and those with diabetic complications.

People over 65 who are severely disabled, may qualify for a type of disability benefit called Attendance Allowance.

Carers may also be entitled to some benefit too, depending on their involvement in caring for the person with diabetes.

Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) can check whether you are getting all of the benefits you are entitled to. They, as well as your diabetes specialist nurse, should also be able to give you advice about filling in the forms.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Financial entitlements benefits
• Carers Direct
• DirectGov: Benefits and financial support
• Citizens Advice Bureau
• Money Advice Service