Voice of London

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) uses the 14th November each year to increase awareness of the disease that affects 425 million people worldwide.  

3.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes. It is thought that 90% of diabetics have type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes: ‘…occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin to function properly, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin. This means glucose stays in the blood and isn’t used as fuel for energy. Type 2 diabetes is often associated with obesity.’ -nhs.

A poor diet (consuming a lot of fast foods, processed foods, trans fats, saturated fats and sugars) can lead to type 2 diabetes, as fat around the abdomen can affect the insulin responsive cells and potentially reduce their sensitivity to the insulin that the body produces.

According to diabetes.co.uk, obesity is in fact believed to ‘account for 80-85% of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes’.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes:

• Extreme thirst
• Fatigue
• Itchy genitals
• Unexplained weight loss
• Cuts or wounds healing slowly
• Blurred vision
• Urinating more than usual

How to prevent type 2 diabetes:

1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet – e.g. high fibre and low in fat foods
2. Stop smoking
3. Exercise regularly
4. Consume alcohol in moderation
5. Maintain a healthy weight

Potential consequences of type 2 diabetes:

• Vision loss
• Kidney failure
• Lower limb amputation
• Cardiovascular disease (e.g. stroke)
• Sexual dysfunction

Diabetics are five times more likely to suffer from a stroke than non-diabetics. 

1 in 10 people with diabetes get a foot ulcer.

Diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in people of working age.

It is thought that over half a million people living in the UK, are unaware that they have diabetes. Their diabetes is undiagnosed.

The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the quicker it can be dealt with to prevent it from having any serious long-term effects.

Take this online NHS test to assess your risk of having/developing type 2 diabetes.

Happy #WorldDiabetesDay.

Words: Amelia Walker-Hall | Subbing: Melina Zachariou