Around 1 million people living in the United Kingdom are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D); that’s1.5% of the population. So how can you find out if you are among them?
NHS’ website indicates some symptoms of T2D:
- urinating more than usual, particularly at night
- feeling thirsty all the time
- feeling very tired
- losing weight without trying to
- itching around your vagina or penis, or repeatedly getting thrush
- cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- blurred vision.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms/
If you have a strong inclination you may have T2D, contact your GP practice. There are many damaging, potentially life-changing complications with the condition. The NHS already helps nearly 4 million people avoid the worst effects of T2D. For a quick, early indication of your risk exposure Fitter For Life provides a free assessment. Our “What’s Your Risk?” tool is quick, simple to use and completely free. All you need to do is answer, totally confidentially, some simple questions and we will evaluate your risk from low to high and then advise on what actions are most appropriate.
Approximately 500 people living with diabetes die prematurely every week in England and Wales. In addition, life changing complications from T2D that include amputations – 9000 per year in the UK, sight loss, stroke, heart disease and kidney disease are on the increase. However, with some simple lifestyle changes type 2 diabetes can be prevented. For many sufferers it can be effectively reversed, often within months of beginning a tailored Programme.
A good example of this is Colette’s story. After visiting her GP, Colette discovered she was pre-diabetic. The GP advised on some lifestyle changes, and weight loss. Colette then decided to embark on a supervised training, educational and lifestyle programme, as offered by Fitter For Life. On the programme, Colette gradually became more active, ate more healthily and adopted a more positive lifestyle. As a result, she lost a stone in weight, became more confident within herself and, three months later on her next GP appointment, was told that she was no longer pre-diabetic. So as we can see, gradual changes to our diet & lifestyle can make all the difference.
Colette’s experience is a good example of how with clear intent the large majority of people with Diabetes symptoms are able to significantly improve the condition. We do and have worked with people with severe symptoms, significantly more so than Colette’s. They will usually see marked improvement in three to six months. Maintaining the lifestyle improvements that lead to reversal will then ensure further wellbeing improvements.
So is there any time like the present to find out your risk and start your journey to a healthier and fitter you?
David Kirkman June 2022