08/06/2026
Diabetes Awareness Week (8th–14th June).
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart problems and high blood pressure, for everyone. It can also impact sexual health, for example, erectile dysfunction in men and reduced libido or vaginal dryness in women, often due to changes in blood flow, nerve function and hormone levels.
In addition, diabetes can contribute to fatigue, mood changes and hormonal imbalances. For men, this may include lower testosterone levels, while women may experience changes linked to hormonal cycles or menopause. Across all groups, poorly managed diabetes increases the risk of complications such as nerve damage (neuropathy) and kidney disease.
It is also important to recognise that people may delay seeking medical advice for a variety of reasons which can lead to complications going unnoticed or unmanaged for longer. Raising awareness during Diabetes Awareness Week, alongside Men’s Health Week, provides an opportunity to encourage everyone to monitor their health, attend regular check-ups and take early action to prevent or manage risks.
Two main types of diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means the body cannot produce insulin at all, so people with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day to manage their blood sugar levels. It often develops in childhood or early adulthood, though it can occur at any age.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type and occurs when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the insulin it makes doesn’t work properly (insulin resistance). It is often linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight, lack of physical activity and family history. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed through diet, exercise, and medication, and in some cases, lifestyle changes can significantly improve the condition.
Symptoms
Healthcare organizations, like the Diabetes UK, commonly use the "4 Ts" to summarize the most frequent early warning signs:
• Toilet: Going to the bathroom to urinate (wee) a lot more than usual.
• Thirsty: Feeling constantly parched and unable to quench your thirst.
• Tired: Experiencing extreme fatigue or weakness.
• Thinner: Losing weight without trying.
Common diabetes symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination (especially at night), unexplained weight loss and extreme fatigue. Other frequent signs are blurred vision, slow-healing sores, recurring infections and increased hunger.
If you’re concerned about diabetes, whether because of symptoms, risk factors or a family history, it’s important to act early. Here’s what you should do:
Recognise possible symptoms
• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing cuts or infection
Check your risk factors
You may be at higher risk if you:
• Are overweight or inactive
• Have a family history of diabetes
• Are over 40 (or over 25 in some ethnic groups)
• Have high blood pressure
Speak to a healthcare professional
Contact your GP or practice nurse. They can:
• Assess your risk
• Arrange a blood test (such as HbA1c or fasting glucose)
• Advise on next steps
• Getting tested is the only way to know for sure.
Make healthy lifestyle changes
Even before a diagnosis, you can reduce risk by:
• Eating a balanced diet (more vegetables, whole grains, less sugar)
• Increasing physical activity (aim for ~150 minutes/week)
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing processed food and sugary drinks
• Stopping smoking (if applicable)
Additional support
We are Diabetes UK, the leading charity for people living with diabetes in the UK. Our vision is a world where diabetes can do no harm.
