What is diabetes?  

Your body takes carbohydrates in food and converts them to glucose to be used for energy or fuel. Glucose is a simple sugar. Examples of foods that contain carbohydrates are:

• Breads, grains, and pasta.
• Nuts.
• Starchy vegetables, like potatoes.
• Milk and yogurts.
• Fruits.
• Snack foods, like chocolate or sweets. 

If you have diabetes the level of sugar in your blood is too high. This is because your body cannot use it properly and it builds up in your blood. 

There are different types of diabetes. The 2 most common types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 2 diabetes affects about 9 out of 10 people who are diagnosed with diabetes. 

We look at type 2 diabetes on this page. This is because it is the kind of diabetes you are more likely to develop if you live with severe mental illness.  

You can click on this link if you want to know more about type 1 diabetes.

What are the signs of diabetes?

Signs that you might have diabetes include: 

• Passing urine more often than usual, especially at night.
• Being thirstier than normal.
• Being extremely tired.
• Losing weight for no obvious reason.
• Blurry vision.
• Frequent thrush infections.
• Wounds that take longer to heal or do not heal properly.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Being hungrier than normal. 

What causes type 2 diabetes?

You are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you. 

• Live with severe mental illness.
• Are overweight.
• Smoke.
• Have family members who have diabetes.
• Are of South Asian, African-Caribbean or Black African descent.
• Have high blood pressure.
• Have a high waist measurement. 
• Have previously had a heart attack or stroke.
• Are taking anti psychotic medication.

You can see if you are at high risk of developing diabetes here.

On our webpage you can find more information about Antipsychotics.

How can I reduce my chance of getting type 2 diabetes?

To reduce your chance of getting type 2 diabetes you can try to: 

• maintain a healthy weight, 
• maintain a healthy waist size,
• eat a healthy diet, and,
• exercise more.  

For tips on how to do this, please visit the following pages:

• Physical activity and mental health
• NHS – Healthy weight
• NHS – Lose weight
• NHS – High blood pressure

You could also ask your GP for a referral to the NHS diabetes prevention programme. 

Some of the risk factors for type 2 diabetes are not in your control. Things like your ethnicity and age can play a part. And if other members of your family live with it too. 

Type 1 diabetes is different to type 2. Diabetes UK say they are still not sure what causes type 1 diabetes to develop. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. But researchers and scientists are trying to find answers. 

Should I get a test for diabetes?

If you have a physical health check your GP or nurse should check your blood sugar levels. You can find out more about getting a free NHS health check by asking your GP or clicking on this link.

If you are showing symptoms of diabetes, you can book an appointment with your GP to have a diabetes check.

You can sometimes get appointments in pharmacies to be screened for risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. Some pharmacists also offer blood tests to diagnose diabetes, but you might have to pay for this service.

How is type 2 diabetes treated?

Diabetes cannot be cured but some people can:

• put it into remission, or 
• manage it well.

To help manage type 2 diabetes you can: 

• maintain a healthy weight,
• eat healthily,
• keep active,
• avoid or reduce smoking,
• avoid or limit alcohol intake,
• take medication. 

You might qualify for a glucose monitor on the NHS. This can help you check your blood sugar levels. You can read more about this here.

How can I cope with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis? 

Living with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis might be stressful or difficult. It is important to reach out for help when you need it. You can reach out to Diabetes UK for support. See our Useful contacts section below for their details.  

You can also see our webpage on Stress - How to cope.

Useful contacts

Diabetes UK
Whether you are looking for diabetes information, practical advice on living with diabetes, or just someone to talk to, Diabetes UK are there to help you. Includes a helpline, online support forums and communities, local support groups, events, an online learning zone, and information on benefits and insurance. 

Helpline: 0345 123 2399 
Live chat: www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/contact_us
Address: Wells Lawrence House 126 Back Church Lane London E1 1FH
Email: helpline@diabetes.org.uk 
Online support Forum here   
Website: www.diabetes.org.uk 

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© Rethink Mental Illness 2026

Last updated Oct 2025
Next update May 2027, subject to any changes
Version number 3