World Diabetes Day – Are you at risk?

There are 4.6 million people living with diabetes in the UK, of which 90% have Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition with lifelong impacts, which is why it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs.

We’ve highlighted the risk factors and symptoms below, so you’re aware of your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Risk factors

  1. High blood pressure. You’re more at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you’ve ever had high blood pressure.
  2. Overweight. Your risk increases if you are overweight, particularly if you’re larger round the middle.
  3. Cultural background. You’re two to four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if you are of South Asian, African-Caribbean or Black African descent.
  4. Family. If you have a parent, brother, sister or child with diabetes, your chances of developing the disease is two to six times more likely.
  5. Age. If you are white and over 40 or African-Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian over 25, you are more at risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Type 2 diabetes include:

  1. Excessive thirst
  2. Feeling more tired than usual
  3. Weight loss
  4. Blurry vision
  5. Going to the toilet more often
  6. Cuts taking longer to heal

If you are worried that you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes, consult your GP for advice. You can also use the ‘Know your risk’ tool here, to find out if you are at risk.

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