Our grateful thanks to Diabetes UK (which you can reach via our Links Page) for their contribution to our radio report which you can hear again at the bottom of this page.
Do You Know Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes? Many of us know someone living with type 2 diabetes, but surprisingly few of us have ever stopped to ask ourselves one simple question: Could I be at risk?
That's the message behind a new awareness campaign from Diabetes UK and Tesco. Their recent survey of 2,000 people found that:
Why does it matter? Type 2 diabetes develops when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively. It affects millions of people across the UK and, if left undiagnosed or poorly managed, can lead to serious complications including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, sight loss and nerve damage.
The challenge is that type 2 diabetes often develops slowly. Some people have no symptoms at all, while others may notice increased thirst, needing to pass urine more often, tiredness, blurred vision or cuts that take longer to heal. Because symptoms can be subtle, many people live with the condition for years before it is diagnosed.
Who is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes? Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but your risk is higher if you:
Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you'll definitely develop diabetes, but it does mean it's worth finding out more.
Type 2 diabetes isn't inevitable. Research shows that many cases can be prevented or delayed through healthy lifestyle changes, including eating a balanced diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping smoking if you smoke. Even modest changes can make a real difference.
Find out your risk. One of the easiest things you can do is complete Diabetes UK's free "Know Your Risk assessment" (connect through to the charity via pour links page). It takes just a few minutes and asks about factors such as your age, ethnicity, family history and waist measurement. If your risk is higher than average, you'll be given advice about the next steps, which may include speaking to your GP or having a simple blood test.
If you're aged 40 to 74 in England, you may also be eligible for a free NHS Health Check, which can help identify your risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke before problems develop.
Knowing your risk doesn't mean you have diabetes. It simply gives you the opportunity to take action early if needed. A few minutes today could help you avoid serious health problems in the future.
Listen to this weeks radio report
All material on this website is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being.
