By losing 5-7% of excess weight and participating in 150mins of moderate intensity exercise each week you can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by almost 60%
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas no longer produces the insulin needed.
Type 2 diabetes:
- Represents 85 to 90 per cent of all cases of diabetes
- Risk factors include family history, being overweight and ethnic background
- Lifestyle factors such as unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. While it usually affects mature adults, more young people, and even children, are being diagnosed.
Diagnosis
Usually in adults over the age of 45 but it is increasingly occurring at a younger age.
Symptoms
Often symptoms go unnoticed as the disease develops gradually. Symptoms may include blurred vision, skin infections, slow healing, tingling and numbness in the feet. Sometimes no symptoms are noticed at all.
Management
Regular physical activity and healthy eating. Over time treatment may progress from lifestyle modification to requiring tablets and/or insulin injections.
Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes
Risk factors you cannot change:
- Age,
- family history,
- family history,
- gestational diabetes,
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Risk factors you can change:
- Maintaining healthy weight,
- making lifestyle changes by following a healthy eating plan and doing regular physical activity and having regular health checks.
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