Type 2 diabetes, sometimes referred to as late or adult onset diabetes, is a chronic condition that is most prevalent in those who are obese or overweight, those who are not physically active, older people and those with a family history of developing diabetes. If you have a large waist, you are also in the high-risk category.
Failing to have the condition diagnosed can lead an individual to be exposed to higher risks of developing other dangerous health conditions. The charity Diabetes UK is trying to raise awareness of the risk factors associated with the condition, encouraging those in the high-risk categories to examine their lifestyles and current health for signs of the disorder, which can go undetected for a number of years. Typical symptoms include a strong feeling of thirst, urinating more frequently, feeling tired and weight loss.
Diabetes UK wants those at risk of type 2 diabetes to seek an early diagnosis because the earlier the condition is diagnosed, the quicker patients can get the necessary treatment and so avoid further health complications.
Diabetes is a chronic blood disorder in which an individual’s blood sugar levels are too high. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not produce enough or any insulin to turn glucose in the blood into cells.
In the UK, the NHS Health Check programme is used for early detection of type 2 diabetes with the government aiming to prevent more than 4,000 people every year from developing diabetes.