D is for . . .

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Let's talk Diabetes . . .
The more we learn about and discuss this condition the better for all of us. There are 2 types of diabetes - here we talk about Type 2 diabetes. But Type 1 is also worth researching. Diabetes UK

Diabetes is a particularly common, and rather serious medical condition. In the UK,  almost 5 million people have diabetes  and around a million of those people are not even aware of it.

Symptoms of diabetes can emerge quickly or develop at a pace slow enough to go unnoticed for some time. There are several warning signs which can indicate its onset.

Here are just a few:

  • Intense thirst
  • Tiredness
  • Itchy and/or dry skin
  • Blurring of vision
  • Frequent urination
  • Slowly healing wounds

There are still certain risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, like age, family history, other medical conditions and ethnicity, that are beyond our control, there are lifestyle choices that can be made that will help mitigate the risk.

These include:

  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • High blood pressure (not always a controllable factor, but lifestyle choices can have a significant impact)
  • Weight
  • Activity levels

Shockingly, 60% of adults in the UK are overweight or obese and whilst excessive body fat is not the only cause of diabetes, it is the most significant risk factor in its development.

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Positive steps you can take . . .

You can to do a quick online research to check your risks of having Type 2 Diabetes.

Click here to find out more Type 2 diabetes - NHS . This is a great start, and can help with early diagnosis.

You can also ask for a diabetes check any time - so maybe ask next time you pop in to see your Dr or nurse.

Linda's Top Tips

This piece has been created by Linda who found out she was Type 2 Diabetic, 12 months ago and it was a bit of a shock. She wanted to share some simple, healthier lifestyle choices that have helped her on her journey. Read below a few key steps to help us improve our health and raise awareness of this condition.

  • Ensure you maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle to give yourself the best chance possible of reducing the severity, and reduce the risk factors of developing diabetes.
  • Try and lose weight - easier said than done - we know! One of the biggest and hardest things was to lose weight, especially after lockdown - where we may have put on a few pounds!
  • Get moving and get outside. Walking is the easiest way. No kit required, and just a few minutes outdoors a day will benefit us. Then we can gradually increase distance and time spent walking. Try different routes in case the same ones get boring!
  • Always take the stairs and not the lift.
  • Don’t park the car right outside the shops, park a bit further away and walk.
  • Walk with a friend. It spurs you on and it’s nice having some encouragement and support. As well as someone to chat to.
  • Maybe borrow a dog if you don’t have one of your own, these are great company and encourage to get out and about everyday.
  • This is good website for finding small groups locally who are all walking for health. Great for support. And they have tips for staying motivated as well. They also have a Facebook page so that's worth checking out too. Walking for Health | Home
  • Your local library may have a list of what walks are local to you as well or know of a local group. They may even host walks themselves. Pop in ask you local librarian who will be able to advise.

Healthy diet

This is hugely beneficial to our bodies whatever condition we are in. Eating more fruit and vegetables has a wide range of improvements to our skin, sleep, focus and general wellbeing. As a starter why not try using less salt and cut down on added sugars.

Your diabetic nurse will give you some really good advice. Just ensure you put it into practise!

The Diabetes UK website is a really good place to find tips and guidance, and the recipe finder has some excellent recipes that all the family can enjoy. Healthy eating is for everyone.

Recipe finder | Diabetes UK

There are some books available through the library as well. Here are a few that I used.

Finally - Yes, you may find it difficult time when your diagnosed and there's a lot to process, but with the support of friends, family and work colleagues. As well as your local nurses and Dr, you can get fitter and healthier.

I did. It’s a lifestyle choice and I chose to eat and live more healthily and feel a lot better for it and if I can do it anyone can.