Diabetes Type 2

Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. The hormone insulin is needed to allow glucose to pass into the body cells to provide energy. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, chapattis, yams and plantain, from sugar and other sweet foods. Glucose is also stored and released from the liver. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance).

Type 2 diabetes risk factors. Over 40 or over 25 and black, Asian or from a minority ethnic group. The risk also rises with age so the older, the older the more risk. Having diabetes in the family puts you at risk. The closer the relative is, the greater the risk. Not all people with diabetes are over weight but the stats show that over 80 per cent of people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. Being more overweight and more inactive the greater risk. With more risk factors that applies the greater the risk of having diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is treated with lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet, weight loss and increased physical activity. Tablets and/or insulin may also be required to achieve normal blood glucose levels. Balancing your diet when you are diagnosed with diabetes can be challenging.

Eating a balanced diet, managing your weight, and following a healthy lifestyle, together with taking any prescribed medication and monitoring where appropriate will benefit your health enormously. Being active is good for all of us but is especially important for people with diabetes. Physical activity, combined with healthy eating and any diabetes medication that you might be taking, will help you to manage your diabetes and prevent long-term diabetes complications.

Being more physically active often conjures up images of gym memberships, long distance runs and aerobics in a leotard, yet this need not be the case. The great news is that you can become more active by making small changes to your lifestyle.

Giving up smoking is one of the most positive