Did you know that there are two types of Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes is when your body can not make enough at all of a hormone called Insulin, which controls our blood sugar levels. It tends to be diagnosed in childhood but can present at any time and only accounts for 10% of all Diabetes. No lifestyle changes can be made to reduce your chances of Type 1 Diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type, worldwide (accounting for 90%), and comes on during adulthood, when either the Insulin your body makes is not working properly (called Insulin resistance) or your body is no longer making enough, causing your blood sugar levels to rise. The great news is that this type of Diabetes is reversible!
You may be more at risk of Type 2 Diabetes if:
· You are overweight or obese.
· Have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes.
· Are of Asian, Black African or African Caribbean origin.
· Have high blood pressure.
· Had Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy.
· Take certain medicines such as steroids for a long time.
Importantly, you can reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes through healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight.
The symptoms of Diabetes are; going to the toilet a lot, feeling thirsty or tired, losing weight without trying, slow healing, genital itching or thrush and blurred vision.
Treatment includes eating well and moving more. Some people may also need to take medication.
Early diagnosis is key, as it is reversible and can prevent long term complications such as kidney, eye and cardiovascular damage. A simple blood test is all that is required for diagnosis.
