Is diabetes a serious condition?

Before the discovery of insulin, type 1 diabetes was fatal, but today the condition can be treated. Though a cure is not yet possible, a high quality of life is enjoyed by most people and complications can be minimised. Though not initially needing insulin, people should not regard type 2 diabetes as a ‘mild’ condition: without proper treatment complications can develop and life expectancy reduce. Active management is required to prevent the development of complications in both types 1 and 2 diabetes. This requires not only medicines but also the active involvement of the individual in his/her own monitoring and a high degree of motivation and commitment. This can be very disruptive of everyday activities but must be encouraged, because the long-term benefits are so great.