Can you cure Type 2 diabetes or will I always have it?
Unfortunately we can’t cure Type 2 diabetes, so if you have it, you have it for life. But the good news is that there are medicines that can treat it, and there’s a lot you can do to help treat it yourself. And if it’s treated properly, it won’t stop you living a healthy and happy life just like everyone else. [Link to treatment]
What can I do to help myself?
In a nutshell, the most important thing that you can do is to lose some weight and get more active. That’s easy to say, but if you’ve ever tried (or know someone who has) you’ll know that it’s not always that easy to do. But don’t let that put you off; you never know what you can do until you try!
To get you started, here are some benefits to losing weight:
- Sports, going out dancing, even walking round the shops with your mates will be less tiring
- It might be easier to buy clothes, and you might even be tempted into different styles
- You’ll feel fitter
- Any symptoms you had of Type 2 diabetes will go away
- And of course, you’ll be helping to treat your Type 2 diabetes
How can other people help me?
Don’t worry, you’re not in this alone. There are a number of people who will help you look after your Type 2 diabetes:
Your family
We know that children or young people who are overweight are very likely to have overweight parents as well, so doctors, nurses and dietitians will include your whole family when they advise on a living more healthily. That means that it won’t be a case of you eating different food from everybody else and running up and down the stairs while they’re all watching TV.
Everyone at home should follow that healthy balanced diet we talked about and get more active together. That will make it a whole lot more fun and you can all support each other.
Your school
Schools nowadays are fast waking up to the fact that they’ve got a part to play in helping children and young people live more healthily.
School dinners are a whole lot more healthy than they used to be and you don’t see many snack machines in schools now. Schools often have rules about making sure your packed lunch is healthy too.
Your paediatric diabetes team
These are the specialists who’ll help you look after your Type 2 diabetes. Here’s who they are and what they’ll do:
Your doctor
You’ll see your doctor when you’re first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. They might do some blood tests to be absolutely sure about the type of diabetes you have and will also check whether you have got any complications of Type 2 diabetes.
This might involve:
- A blood test to check your cholesterol levels
- Urine and/or blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working
- Your blood pressure
- A blood test to check how well your liver is working
- If you’re a girl, talking to you about whether you’ve started your periods yet and if so are they regular
- Asking about sleep apnoea (that’s when you have pauses in breathing or shallow breaths when you’re asleep. And you tend to snore a lot too )
Your doctor will explain to you and your family all about Type 2 diabetes and how it’s treated. They’ll explain any medication you might need and see you regularly at the hospital to check how you’re getting on. And they’ll do those checks listed above regularly as well.
Your dietitian
When you’re diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes your doctor should arrange for you to see a registered dietitian. They will talk to you about what you eat and what activity you do and suggest ways of improving things. Even if you feel embarrassed because you know you don’t eat very healthily and aren’t really very active, do tell the truth! Because then your dietitian will be more able to give you advice that’ll work.
Your dietitian might see you regularly (they’ll let you know how often) and if they do they’ll probably check your weight and height each time. That’s to see how you’re getting on. And again, your dietitian won’t just talk to you, they’ll want to involve your parent/s as well.
They’ll give you a contact number in case you or your parent/s have any questions between appointments. If your dietitian doesn’t see you regularly, they’ll probably refer you to someone else who will help you with your weight, like a local weight management programme .
Your paediatric diabetes nurse specialist (PDSN)
This is the person you’ll probably see most of. They’ll see you as soon as you’re diagnosed and then regularly, most likely at home. They’ll also visit your school and talk to your teachers about what help you might need in school. Your PDSN will reinforce what your doctor and dietitian have said and answer any questions.
They’ll make sure you know how to take any medication properly, explain how to monitor your blood glucose and regularly review your blood glucose levels [Link to monitoring]. Your hospital might run special groups for children your age so you can all learn together and support each other.
It can be quite a relief to see that you’re not the only one. So ask your nurse, doctor or dietitian if they do, and even if they don’t do a proper group, they might put you in contact with someone else in your position.
Diabetes UK
We’re here to help you too with our Careline and membership of Diabetes UK:
Careline
The Diabetes UK Careline is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The staff are trained counsellors and, although they can’t offer you any individual medical advice (that’s what your healthcare team is for), they know loads about diabetes and they're really helpful and friendly.
Everything you discuss with them will be in total confidence. Call them on 0845 120 2960 or email careline@diabetes.org.uk
Join us
For ongoing support and info about your diabetes, become a member of Diabetes UK.