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.

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

You can’t change some of these risk factors. But others you can. 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.

Search ‘Know Your Risk