Diabetes: Everything you need to know about the condition in France

Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects more than four million people in France, including up to 800,000 who do not realise that they are diabetic.  Here is the essential information about the condition, check-ups, complications and treatment. 

Read more: What essential health screenings are available for free in France?

Two types of diabetes

Some people are born with type 1 diabetes, which means your body cannot make any insulin, a hormone that helps the body turn food into energy and manages blood sugar levels

With type 1, the cells that produce insulin have been attacked by the immune system. For that reason, type 1 diabetes is known as an autoimmune condition. 

Fewer than 10% of people have type 1 diabetes and, although it is usually diagnosed in childhood, it can actually develop later in life. 

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all cases. It develops over time, either because your body has stopped producing enough insulin or is no longer using it effectively. 

It mostly affects people over 25, with increased risk over 40 and if you have a family history. You can develop type 2 diabetes even if you are not overweight, and it can go undiagnosed for several years if you do not notice the symptoms. 

These vary but include: wanting to urinate more often; being very thirsty; feeling unusually tired; losing weight without trying; blurred vision; genital symptoms such as thrush; cuts and wounds taking longer to heal.

Normally, your body transforms the glucose from what you are eating and drinking into fuel for energy. If your insulin levels drop, the glucose stays in your blood, so your body tries to flush it out by making you thirsty. Then your urine contains high levels of glucose, creating an ideal breeding ground for fungal infections and thrush. 

Get blood sugar levels checked

Given that 60% of patients do not notice any symptoms before diagnosis, it is best to ask your doctor to prescribe a blood test to check blood sugar levels. 

This will include the reference ‘HbA1c’ or hémoglobine glyquée, referring to your average blood glucose (sugar) levels over the past two to three months. 

From this, the doctor can evaluate if you are diabetic or at risk of developing diabetes.

Treatment for diabetes

You could be prescribed insulin or medication such as metformin to lower your blood sugar. However, many diabetics can manage and even reverse the symptoms by physical activity and reducing certain foods – not only obvious sugars but also carbohydrates such as bread and pasta that cause glucose spikes.

Health complications

Serious health problems can arise from the ‘diabetes complications’ of having high blood sugar levels over a long time. These include problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet, plus heart attacks and strokes. 

Where can I find out more?

The Fédération des Diabétiques covers all of France and offers some useful information, but the first stop is your GP for a blood test. Take it from there.