How and why we should try and beat diabetes

How and why we should try and beat diabetes A recent report I read raised concerns about the increasing number of people aged under 40 who are developing type 2 diabetes. Worrying that it is, it is something we can deal with should we make the right changes made to our diet and lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that can have serious complications such as sight loss, toe and feet amputations and many other things which will affect your day-to-day living. Type 2 diabetes used to be an illness associated with older people, but nowadays it is seen in young adults and alarmingly in children also. One of the clear dangers with diabetes becoming more and more common is that we are starting to think of it as just being normal, which we can't afford to. On the other hand though, the good news is that type 2 diabetes is preventable. And we can all minimise and reduce our chances of developing the illness. To simplify, we just need to eat less and move more. So if you are overweight or obese, you significantly increase your chances of developing the diabetes. But if you reduce your weight, you also help reduce the risk of getting diabetes. And in some UK Towns and Cities almost 50% of us are heavier than we should be. By eating a healthy diet and moving more you can help keep your weight under control. So for exercise get moving and go for a walk in the park, take the dog for a walk or try something new such as learning to swim or ride a bike. For help and support ask your GP on what is best for you to do. Or visit: http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/loseweight/Pages/Loseweighthome.aspx If sadly you have already been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, it isn't too late. You can still help improve your condition as early diagnosis is important because this means that blood glucose (sugar) levels can be controlled. If the diabetes isn't treated, it can lead to many different health problems. For example, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs. People who are at risk of developing diabetes include: • People with a close family member who has Type 2 diabetes • People who are overweight or obese • Women with a waist over 31.5 inches, Asian men with a waist over 35 inches, and black and white men with a waist over 37 inches • Women with polycystic ovary syndrome who are also overweight • People with high blood pressure or who have had a heart attack or stroke • Women who have had gestational diabetes (this is diabetes during pregnancy) • People with impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glycaemia • People with severe mental health problems. Symptoms can include feeling thirsty, frequent urination (mainly during the night) excessive tiredness, weight loss and loss of muscle bulk. However, not everyone with diabetes has these symptoms. For more information on Diabetes, please click on the following weblinks: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/Introduction.aspx http://www.webmd.boots.com/diabetes/guide/type-2-diabetes