Too many people develop life-threatening complications because their diabetes is diagnosed too late. There are many misconceptions about diabetes being a ‘mild’ condition. But these misconceptions are potentially dangerous. Diabetes is serious — read on and make sure you know if you are at risk.
About diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body can’t use glucose (sugar) properly. As a result, people with diabetes have abnormally high levels of glucose in their blood. For more information go to: What is diabetes?
Diabetes – the complications
What makes diabetes so serious is that the condition can affect other parts of the body. Many adults have had diabetes for several years before their symptoms are recognised. By the time they are diagnosed, a great many have already started to develop the complications of diabetes — blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and nerve damage that could lead to amputations.
If you think you might have diabetes, it is vital you take steps now. Spotting diabetes early means that it can be treated and the risk of developing the serious complications can be greatly reduced.
Diabetes – the risk factors
People at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes are:
- white people aged over 40 and people from black and minority ethnic groups aged over 25 years with a first degree family history of diabetes (mother, father or sibling)
- people who are overweight (BMI of 25-30 kg/m2 and above), and who have a sedentary lifestyle
- people who have ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease (problems with circulation, including heart attack or stroke) or hypertension (high blood pressure)
- women who have had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) - Diabetes UK recommends screening at one year after delivery and then three yearly
- women with polycystic ovary syndrome who are obese
- those known to have impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glycaemia.
More about the risk factors
Diabetes and age
The vast majority of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. This type usually occurs in people over the age of 40. The older you are, the greater your risk of Type 2 diabetes. If you come from a black or minority ethnic group, you are at increased risk over the age of 25.
Diabetes runs in families
Research has shown that people are more at risk if there is a history of diabetes in close family members. The closer the relative, the greater your risk of diabetes. People from African-Caribbean or Asian cultures living in Europe are four to five times more likely to have Type 2 diabetes than white members of the population.
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Weight is a factor in diabetes
Over 80 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes are overweight at diagnosis. The more overweight you are, the greater your risk of diabetes.
Circulation problems and high blood pressure
If you have been diagnosed with any of these problems with your circulation, have had a heart attack or stroke, or you have high blood pressure, you may be at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and you should discuss your risk with your healthcare team.
Diabetes and pregnancy
Some women when they are pregnant develop a temporary type of diabetes called "gestational diabetes". Having this, or giving birth to a large baby (4kg/81/2lb or greater) can increase a woman's risk of going on to develop Type 2 diabetes.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This is a hormonal problem that can affect about one in five women. Symptoms can include irregular or no periods, obesity and often, increased body and facial hair. People with diagnosed PCOS who are also obese have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Impaired blood glucose levels
If your doctor has previously told you that you have impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), this means that your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but that you donÕt have diabetes. However, you should be tested regularly to make sure that you have not developed diabetes. If you have IFG or IGT, losing weight, eating a healthy diet and keeping active can help prevent Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes – the symptoms
- increased thirst
- going to the loo all the time – especially at night
- extreme tiredness
- weight loss
- genital itching or regular episodes of thrush
- slow healing of wounds
- blurred vision.
In Type 2 diabetes, the symptoms may not always be easily recognised.
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