Are you at risk?

 

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Type 2 diabetes

You could be more at risk than you think

 

Anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes, but certain factors can increase your risk:

  • The older you are, the greater your risk is likely to be. However, those from the ethnic groups outlined below tend to be at risk at a younger age.
  • You’re two to six times more at risk if you have a parent, child, brother or sister with Type 2 diabetes.
  • You’re more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if you’re over 25 and from a Chinese, South Asian, Black Caribbean or Black African ethnic background.
  • You are more at risk of Type 2 diabetes if you carry excess weight, have obesity or if you’ve ever had high blood pressure.

 

Type 2 Diabetes - Know your Risk

There are also other factors associated with an increased risk:

  • You’re more at risk if you’ve ever had a heart attack or stroke, if you’ve ever had schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or depression, or if you are receiving treatment with anti-psychotic medication
  • You’re more at risk if you are a woman who has had polycystic ovarian syndrome, gestational diabetes, or given birth to a baby weighing over 10 pounds

 

If you’re at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for your free local Healthier You service.

  • This will help you put your health back in your hands by supporting you to lose weight (where appropriate), get more physically active and eat healthy food.
  • Taking action now is really important as it can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
  • Finding out your risk only takes a few minutes using the Diabetes UK risk tool. It could be the most important thing you do today. Make sure to have a tape measure handy as you’ll need to measure your waist.

Start your Type 2 diabetes assessment

Published: Aug 8, 2022