by Eliza Sterling

In the wake of the escalating obesity dilemma, the number of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes continues to climb dramatically. As of today, over 4 million individuals in the UK live with this disease, a stark climb from the 1.8 million back in 1998. The fact that about 90% of these cases are type 2 diabetes, primarily caused by obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, is a bleak reminder of the urgent need for lifestyle modifications. Additionally, as per recent data, deaths among type 2 diabetes patients more than doubled in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and likely more alarming is the myriad of diagnoses that have been missed or delayed, plummeting by 70% since lockdown commenced.

This calls for urgent measures to raise awareness about missed diagnoses and advocate for healthier lifestyles. Respected General Practitioner Dr. Sarah Brewer offers her insight into identifying early signs of type 2 diabetes, managing the disease, and recognizing those at highest risk.

Recognizing the Early Onset Signs

Being vigilant about the early symptoms of type 2 diabetes can lead to earlier detection and treatment. Key symptoms to be aware of include:

• Increasing thirst: Persistent, insatiable thirst that often won’t be quenched even after drinking, spurred by high blood sugar levels.
• Frequent urination: Also known as polyuria, excessive or frequent urination during the day and night may suggest high blood sugar levels.
• Inordinate hunger: Persistent hunger despite increased eating, or polyphagia, may be another early signal, following the inability of cells to absorb glucose, leading to your body constantly seeking fuel. This could also cause unintended weight loss, creating another potential indicator of diabetes.

Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes demands significant adaptation to one’s lifestyle. Aiming to keep blood glucose levels within the parameters set by your doctor is critical to steer away from potential long-term consequences such as vision loss, heart and kidney disease, leg ulcers, and in severe cases, amputation.

Controlling the diet by incorporating more plant-based food, primarily low-glycaemic index, fibre-rich items such as whole grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and oily fish is highly recommended. Shifting towards a healthier lifestyle also necessitates shedding excess weight, aiming for at least a 5% reduction, particularly in obese individuals. Maintaining physical activity is equally important, aligning with NICE guidelines advocating a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly. Lifestyle modifications also extend to quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, which is increased in diabetes patients.

Alongside these measures, natural supplements can also promote a balanced blood sugar profile. These supplements, composed of ten natural ingredients, work in harmony with your body to balance glucose levels.

Understanding Your Risk

Obesity and inactivity are closely associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Other risk factors include hereditary tendencies, certain ethnicities (South Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean, black African), health conditions like polycystic ovaries, or metabolic syndromes linked to insulin resistance. People initially experiencing high insulin levels due to resistance and poor glucose tolerance often store fat around their waist, exhibit raised blood fat levels, high blood pressure, and increased blood stickiness – all symptoms known as the metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of diabetes.

What Next?

If you suspect you might be displaying the early signs, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment significantly reduce the risk of serious and life-threatening complications.

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