up in the blood.
Type 2 comes on slowly with no symptoms for a while. Sometimes it can take 10 years before people are aware that they have it.
Can you reduce the risk of developing Diabetes?
There’s not much that you can do for Type 1 but Type 2 can be delayed or prevented by making small lifestyle changes. Looking at your diet will make a big difference and lowering your weight to a healthy level will have a huge impact: If you lose about 5% of your body weight it can greatly reduce your chances of developing Diabetes, every kilo you lose reduces the risk by up to 15 %.
Poor diets and being physical inactive increase the risk of developing Diabetes, sugar is saturating everyday foods and is a major concern. More and more children are developing Type 2 Diabetes now, not surprising when you consider that the average adolescent drinks approximately three cans of coke as day, each can has 6t teaspoons of sugar which is 18 teaspoons a day; 126 a week accounting to drinking more than a 500g bag of sugar a week!!!
For more information regarding sugar read my blog; Sugar!
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you have Diabetes but it is best to check it out with your GP.
How can physical activity help?
In some cases being physically active and lowering body fat percentage is enough to prevent the need of medication in the first place and it can also help the medicating Diabetic patient to reduce or stop taking medication.
At SLL, we see many diabetics in our fitness centres. Many type 1’s who have had the condition for many years take part in regular activity and Sports. Sir Steven Redgrave is a famous Olympian who has conquered Diabetes to have a fantastic career in sport, he knows his body and what he can and can’t do and has no problems.
Others have type 2 and need more guidance and confidence so that they are happy to take part.
We see such an improvement in the physical and mental health of these customers and it is great to see them improve.
It is important to get your GP’s approval before starting any activities.
If you need more help, speak to your GP or visit the Diabetes UK website.Back to Blog