Type 2 diabetes is often the result of living an unhealthy lifestyle and there is no known cure, which means those who get it must change their ways for good.
Luckily, there are tell-tale signs your body can show you before you fully develop the condition. Those who learn they are 'pre-diabetic' can take action to prevent the disease.
Having type 2 diabetes involves carefully monitoring your blood sugar levels through various means, including medication, a special diet and blood tests.
According to charity Diabetes UK, an estimated 13.6 million people in the UK are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Prior to developing type 2 diabetes, people tend to become insulin-resistant and there are a number of external symptoms that you might experience, reports Leicestershire Live.
The symptoms can include skin tags - small growths that hang off your skin - as well as patches of darker skin on on places such as the neck. You might also develop acne with large pores and experience greasy skin.
Another tell-tale sign is excessive dark hair on the body. These can all be signs you're developing type 2 diabetes.
The NHS website states: "Many more people have blood sugar levels above the normal range but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is sometimes known as pre-diabetes.
"If your blood sugar level is above the normal range, your risk of developing full-blown diabetes is increased. It's very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated."
Diabetes UK said if you’ve been told you have pre-diabetes, this is a warning sign that you are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, with the right support, up to 50 per cent of cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
The charity website states that to decrease your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes you should improve you diet. Here is what they suggest...
Foods to reduce the risk
- Fruit and veg - particularly green leafy veg, blueberries, grapes and apples
- Wholegrains
- Yogurt and cheese
- Unsweetened tea and coffee
Food to avoid
- Sugar sweetened drinks
- Red and processed meats
- Refined carbohydrates like sugary snacks, white bread and sugary cereals
- Potatoes - particularly chips
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