Diabetes is a word most of us hear often — but what does it really mean? Whether you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed or you’re just curious to understand more, this guide will walk you through the basics in plain English.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we see first-hand how diabetes can impact the body in ways people often don’t expect — especially when it comes to joints, muscles, and nerves. But before we explore those effects in later blogs, let’s take a moment to break down what diabetes actually is.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where your body struggles to manage glucose (sugar) levels in your blood.

Glucose is a key source of energy for the body, and we get it from the food we eat — especially carbohydrates. Normally, a hormone called insulin, made by the pancreas, helps move glucose from the blood into the cells where it’s needed.

In diabetes, something goes wrong with this system. The result? Too much glucose stays in the bloodstream, which over time can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs.

The Main Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

• Often diagnosed in children and young adults, but can occur at any age.
• The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• People with Type 1 need daily insulin injections or a pump to survive.
• It’s not linked to lifestyle or diet.

Type 2 Diabetes

• The most common form — about 90% of people with diabetes in the UK have Type 2.
• The body either doesn’t make enough insulin or the cells don’t respond to it properly (insulin resistance).
• Often linked to factors like age, family history, being overweight, inactivity, or ethnicity.
• Can sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes, but medication or insulin may be needed too.

Other Types

• Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after birth — though it can increase the risk of developing Type 2 later in life.
• MODY & LADA: Rarer forms of diabetes that don’t fit neatly into Type 1 or 2. These are often diagnosed in younger people and may have a genetic component.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Common signs of diabetes include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Needing to wee more often, especially at night
• Feeling tired all the time
• Blurred vision
• Unexplained weight loss (more common in Type 1)
• Slow-healing cuts or wounds
• Tingling, pain or numbness in hands or feet

These symptoms can creep in gradually, especially with Type 2. Many people have it for years before being diagnosed.

If you’re ever in doubt, speak to your GP — a simple blood test can check your glucose levels.

How is Diabetes Diagnosed?

In the UK, diabetes is usually diagnosed with one or more of the following tests:

• HbA1c blood test – shows your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.
• Fasting blood glucose test
• Oral glucose tolerance test – sometimes used in pregnancy.

Your GP or practice nurse will guide you through what’s needed. If you’re at risk of Type 2, they may also suggest a pre-diabetes screening.

Managing Diabetes

Diabetes doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Management depends on the type and individual needs, but usually includes:

• Medication or insulin – depending on the type of diabetes.
• Healthy eating – not about cutting out sugar entirely, but learning how different foods affect your blood sugar.
• Regular physical activity – even gentle movement helps.
• Monitoring blood sugar levels
• Regular check-ups – to keep an eye on heart health, eyes, kidneys, feet, and more.

You won’t be doing this alone — your GP practice will often coordinate your diabetes care, along with nurses, dietitians, and other NHS professionals.

Why Is an Osteopath Writing About Diabetes?

You might be wondering what this has to do with osteopathy. As osteopaths, we often see the musculoskeletal ripple effects of diabetes — things like joint stiffness, nerve issues, and poor circulation. These aren’t just minor annoyances; they can affect everyday life, mobility, and independence.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be diving deeper into how diabetes can affect your:

• Joints (like frozen shoulder and arthritis-like symptoms)
• Nerves (especially in hands and feet)
• Muscles, tendons and healing
• Energy and movement levels
• Stress and emotional well-being

And most importantly, we’ll explore what you can do to support your body — and how we, as osteopaths, might be able to help.

Final Thoughts

If you or someone you love is living with diabetes, you’re not alone — and with the right information and support, there’s so much that can be done to protect your health and wellbeing.

This blog is just the beginning. Stay tuned for next week’s post:
👉 “The Musculoskeletal Impact of Diabetes”

If you have questions in the meantime or want to explore how osteopathy could support you, feel free to get in touch with us at Thrive Body Clinic.