Why does Diabetes matter in the UK now more than ever?

Now that we are in the year 2025, Diabetes in no longer just a chronic condition that may affect individuals but also an increasing national health concern which reflects serious pressure on the NHS, social care as well as front line healthcare workers. It has never been more important to understand diabetes and its real-world impact, whether you are a nurse, HCA or support worker.

An ascending tide of Diagnoses for diabetics

While the numbers continue to rise for those being a diabetic, the UK now hosts more than 5 million people who are living with diabetes, most of which has been diagnosed with Type 2. Increased obesity levels, with ageing populations and the reduction of physical activity are all contributing factors to the increase of people with diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is also soaring, especially in the younger generation.

Why this matters for healthcare workers

Diabetes does not exist on its own, it is linked to a few things from poor wound cleaning to cardiovascular risk as well as increased risk of infection; which means:

• HCAs are on the front line (helping patients blood glucose monitoring, foot care, support with their diet and wound management
• Care plans are led by Nurses (the administration of insulin as well as spotting the signs of hypo- or hyperglycaemia)
• Doctors are under more pressure (to manage any long-term complications that may often lead to hospital admissions for individuals with diabetes)

What is new in 2025?

The healthcare system is moving from a reactive to preventive approach, with more NHS trusts offering diabetes awareness training for all support workers and HCAs with many training hubs across the UK which offers diabetes modules; many of which are online and flexible, accredited for CPD and focuses and real scenarios that staff may deal with on a daily basis.

This is not about developing the HCAs into specialists, but rather to give the staff the confidence in handling one of the very common chronic conditions they are likely to deal with.

Why you should care

Whether you have years of experience or if you are new to health and/ or social care, the understanding of diabetes is no longer only an option. It affects everything from wound care and meal planning to mental health and safeguarding,

Having well trained staff and professionals would mean:

• Much less avoidable hospital admissions
• A better daily care for patients and individuals
• More capable and confident teams

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 1

• Cause: an autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin
• Onset: generally, develops early in life, many times very suddenly
• Symptoms: both types have similar symptoms such as frequent urination and increase in thirst, however, the underlying causes for each type varies from person to person
• Treatment: insulin therapy for management is required for Type 1 diabetes
• Prevalence: Making up approximately 5 – 10% of diabetes patients, Type 1 is less common

Type 2

• Cause: mostly related to insulin resistance and may develop due to different lifestyle factors
• Onset: usually take years to develop, more common in adults
• Symptoms: both types have similar symptoms such as frequent urination and increase in thirst, however, the underlying causes for each type varies from person to person
• Treatment: Type 2 diabetes may be managed with lifestyle changes and/ or oral medication, at times insulin may be needed as well
• Prevalence: accounting for 90 – 95% of diabetes cases, the most common Type of diabetes

Where to start?

If you have not taken a form of training for diabetes, getting it now is the best option to look into it.

By doing an Online Diabetes and Insulin training module with Train Healthcare, which takes approximately 1 hour to complete, will earn you 1 CPD point. Once you have completed the course, you will immediately receive a certificate thereof.