Type 2 diabetes can be a 'devastating diagnosis' says expert
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Indeed, in the UK, around 90 percent of all adults with diabetes have type 2. Some people will also have pre-diabetes. This means that you have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. There are a number of things which may help you reduce your risk of developing the condition.
The Cleveland Clinic says: “The diagnosis of pre-diabetes should set off alarm bells.
“It means you’re on your way toward developing type 2 diabetes, a disease that greatly increases your risk of heart attack and early death.”
Writing for the site , dietitian Julia Zumpano suggests that people “eliminate sweetened beverages”.
“They have no fat or protein to prevent the carbs from rocketing your blood sugar,” Zumpano explains.
Similarly it may be a good idea to cut back on fruit juices, coffee drinks, and alcohol.
If you think you may have the condition you should see a doctor. The NHS says: “It’s very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated.”
The health body notes that type 1 diabetes can develop quickly over weeks or even days, but people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general.
“You can help manage type 2 diabetes through healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight,” it adds.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes include peeing more than usual, particularly at night, feeling thirsty all the time, and feeling very tired.
You should visit your GP if you have symptoms, but it is advised to see your GP if you have risk factors of diabetes and are worried about developing diabetes in future.
NHS Inform says: “If you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you may be able to control your symptoms simply by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your blood glucose levels.
“However, as type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition, you may eventually need medication, usually in the form of tablets.”
According to the NHS, high blood sugar can affect people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, as well as pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
People who fall into these groups are advised to keep blood sugar levels as near to normal as possible.
“Occasional mild episodes are not usually a cause for concern and can be treated quite easily or may return to normal on their own,” explains the health body.
“But hyperglycaemia [high blood sugar] can be potentially dangerous if blood sugar levels become very high or stay high for long periods.”
Notably, when hyperglycaemia is left untreated, it can cause neuropathic changes, which means the nerves in the body become damaged.
Always follow the advice of your GP around reducing your blood sugar levels, the NHS reminds.
Diabetes cases are set to rise to five million by 2025, according to Diabetes UK.
The number of diabetes patients has more than doubled since 1996.
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