Diabetes Awareness Week took place this week from 8-14 June 2026. The week is led by organizations like Diabetes UK to raise public understanding, eliminate stigma, and advocate for better support and resources.
Right now in the UK, almost 6 million people are living with diabetes. This includes over 4.7 million people with a formal diagnosis and an estimated 1.3 million people who have Type 2 diabetes, but are currently undiagnosed. In addition, 1 in 12 (nearly 6 million) are classed as prediabetic, which means they’re at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is known as a chronic condition, where the body cannot properly process glucose (sugar), resulting in consistently high blood sugar levels. This occurs because the pancreas produces little to no insulin (a hormone that regulates glucose), or because the body’s cells do not respond effectively to the insulin that is produced (insulin resistance).
Glucose and insulin
With diabetes, or when people talk about diabetes, it is common to hear the words ‘glucose’ and ‘insulin’. These are both very important in the body and play a key role in keeping us healthy.
Normally, when we eat a meal, the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. This then enters the bloodstream to be used for energy.
To convert the glucose into energy, your body needs insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and acts as a ‘key’ to let sugar into your cells. If there is no insulin, not enough insulin, or the cells are not responding to the key, we have a problem!
When this normal process fails, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. Over time, persistently high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs throughout the body.
Different types of diabetes
There are 3 main types of diabetes. They all have different causes and treatment but ultimately they all cause high blood sugar levels. The 3 types are; type 1, type 2 and Gestational.
Type 1
This type of diabetes is known as an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This means the body produces little to no insulin, so daily insulin medication is needed.
Type 2
This is the most common type of diabetes and occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance) or can’t produce enough of it. It is primarily managed through diet, exercise, and oral or injectable medications.
Gestational
A form of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin to meet your extra needs in pregnancy. While it usually resolves after giving birth, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
How exercise can help with diabetes
The primary benefits of physical activity for diabetes include:
- Helps keep your blood sugar levels within target range and improves your HbA1c score.
- Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Being physically active helps insulin work better in the body.
- Protects Cardiovascular Health: Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease; regular exercise lowers blood pressure, lowers LDL cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol.
- Aids Weight Management: Building muscle and burning calories makes weight loss and weight maintenance easier, which directly supports stable blood sugar regulation
- Gives you energy and helps you sleep
- Good for your mental health as well as your physical health.
Reducing sedentary time
Reducing sedentary time (time spent sitting), significantly helps manage and prevent diabetes. Breaking up long periods of sitting with light movement, is something most of us can do and helps the body regulate sugar in a number of ways.
Ideas to reduce sedentary time
- Taking a walk after a meal can help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes.
- Even though housework may be monotonous – its a great way to get in some ‘exercise snacking’.
- During ad breaks (if you get them) get up and walk around
- While on the phone for work or personal walk around or at least stand rather than sitting
- Walk and watch – if you are watching a series, then walk at the same time (I love this but not everyone’s cup of tea!)
- On commutes – get off one stop earlier to get more steps in or take the stairs instead of the escalator.
Safety
This article is for general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your GP, diabetes specialist nurse or healthcare provider regarding your individual circumstances.
ALWAYS speak with your healthcare provider before starting a fitness program.
Exercise can cause changes in your blood sugar levels including making it drop too low.
Some medications, such as insulin, that lower blood sugar levels mean you need to check your blood sugar levels before, during and after exercise. Your healthcare provider will come up with a plan specifically for you.
