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