Are you at risk of type 2 diabetes?

ARE YOU AT RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES? Diabetes is a condition that means the body's blood sugar levels are too high Type One Type Two Type One diabetes causes no insulin to be produced in the body, meaning the blood glucose levels increase. This can be very dangerous and damaging to the body's organs. Type Two diabetes is much more common, and is caused by the body not producing enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It may also be caused by the cells in the body not reacting to insulin. There are a number of risk factors for diabetes, but leading a healthy and active lifestyle can help to reduce your chances of developing the condition. • There are around 3 million people in the UK currently suffering from diabetes. • It is estimated that there are 850,000 people who have diabetes but are undiagnosed. • Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of adult diabetes sufferers have type 2. • Men are twice as likely as women to develop diabetes. 1996 NOW 2025 1.4 million 3. million Diabetes sufferers in the UK million The number of diabetes sufferers in the UK has more than doubled since 1996, from 1.4 million to about 3 million. Estimates suggest that by 2025 there will be 5 million people with diabetes. Since 1996 the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has increased from 1.4 million to 2.9 million. By 2025 it is estimated that five million people will have diabetes. Assess yourself. Measuring your waist size can indicate your risk of diabetes. This measures the abdominal fat you are carrying; abdominal obesity is one of the biggest causes of diabetes. WOMEN- HIGH RISK More than 31.5 inches (80cm) MEN – HIGH RISK More than 35 inches (90cm) for Asian men. More than 37 inches (94cm) for black or white men. Risk Factors Symptoms Diet: An unhealthy diet can lead to obesity, a major cause of diabetes. 62% of women and 66% of men are overweight in the UK. If you are overweight or obese, you are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. • Increased thirst. • Urinating frequently. • Blurred vision. Tiredness/fatigue. • Skin infections or Lifestyle: Keeping active is also important for maintaining a healthy weight and overall wellbeing, which can reduce the risk of diabetes. Just 39% of men and 29% of women meet the recommended levels of physical activity. breakouts. Weight loss or loss of muscle mass. Family history: Your chances of diabetes are increased by genetics. If you have a family member with diabetes your own risk of developing the condition is greater. A child whose parent has diabetes has a 1 in 3 chance of developing it. • Muscle cramps. Constipation. Did you know? By losing 5% of your bodyweight and taking regular exercise, you can reduce your risk of diabetes by up to 50%. If you are concerned that you may be at risk of developing diabetes, make an appointment with your doctor and get yourself checked out. Sources http://www.diabetes.org.uk http://www.nhs.uk http://www.bupa.co.uk http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/What-is-diabetes/ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/Introduction.aspx http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/Reports/Diabetes-in-the-UK-2012.pdf http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Documents/Reports/State-of-the-Nation-2012.pdf http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/Symptoms.aspx http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/Causes.aspx http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/t/type-2-diabetes http://www.diabetes.org.uk/About_us/What-we-say/Statistics/Diabetes-in-the-UK-2012/