MEN over 40 are asked by the NHS to take a quiz to see if they are at risk for type 2 diabetes.
According to charity statistics, around 12.3 million people in the UK are about to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
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The NHS encourages men over 40 to take a quiz to see if they are at risk for type 2 diabetes. The tool takes into account age, ethnicity and weightCredit: Alamy
The serious illness caused by rising obesity increases the likelihood of Covid death, heart attacks and strokes, among other things.
While age and genetics play a role, two in five cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle.
Because there is very little clear-cut evidence that someone is on the verge of a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and it can develop slowly over time with very little evidence, the NHS urges white men over 40 to find out their risk .
They use Facebook ads to let them know that their age makes them more likely to have diabetes.
Then it offers them the opportunity to take a quiz about Diabetes UK.
The quick quiz asks their age, weight, whether anyone in the family has diabetes, and whether you’ve been told, for example, that they have high blood pressure.
A score between zero and 47 is then given.
The higher the risk, the more likely a person will develop type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years. For example, one in four people at high risk will develop type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years.
If a person’s score is moderate or high, they can contact a local service for remote or online assistance without having to contact a doctor.
This doesn’t necessarily mean someone has prediabetes – if their blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to qualify as type 2 diabetes.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity at the NHS in England, said: “The evidence is clear – obesity and type 2 diabetes greatly increase the risk many of us are exposed to from Covid.
“And we already knew that, especially in men over 40, the risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age. So it’s important that people in this group assess their risk and get the right support.”
He added that the free risk assessment “could be life changing”.
Health Secretary Jo Churchill said, “We want to be a healthier nation and obesity is one of our greatest health challenges. Covid-19 has shown us that it is important that we act now.”
Research shows that men over 40 are particularly at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and that risk increases with age.
However, research shows that black and South Asian people are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes after age 25.
Black and South Asian communities were targeted in a successful advertising campaign last summer.
Anyone found to have a moderate to high risk of type 2 diabetes can register for the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Program online without having to see their GP.
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The quiz to take online to find out your risk of type 2 diabetes
How many risk factors for type 2 diabetes do YOU have? What are the symptoms?
You are at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes if you:
- are over 40 and white
- are over 25 years old and African-Caribbean, Black African or South Asian
- Have a parent, brother, sister or child with diabetes
- have ever had high blood pressure
- carry extra weight
- are smokers
- Have schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression
- spend a lot of time sitting
- drink too much alcohol
- Have disturbed sleep
You may already have type 2 diabetes if you have the following symptoms and should see your GP:
- pee more than usual, especially at night
- feeling thirsty all the time
- feel very tired
- Lose Weight Without Trying
- Itching around your penis or vagina, or repeated thrush
- Cuts or wounds take longer to heal
- blurred vision
More than 750,000 people were referred, and those who completed the program and were overweight or obese lost an average of 3.6 kg.
And now there are 200,000 places available every year.
John Harrison, 53, of Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, lost 55 kg (more than eight stones) on the program.
John said, “I was determined that lockdown wasn’t going to stop me from getting healthier. I received great support through video sessions and was able to lose from 127 kg in 2019 to 72 kg in just 14 months.
“The virtual meetings were really useful – being in touch online allowed me to ask questions and keep my momentum going.
“My health coach was just as knowledgeable and gave me a lot to think about, but it is up to the individual to decide what changes to make.
“After all, you are the best person to make these lifestyle choices.
“Now I weigh 72 kg, my quality of life has really improved and now I can do so much more without feeling exhausted. I can buy and wear fashionable clothes, including skinny jeans. “
John reduced his fat and red meat intake while adding chicken and legumes to his diet.
He also started a new exercise program and now regularly does a quick power walk five times a week.
Phil Day, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy2U, said you should see your GP if you experience symptoms of excessive thirst, blurred vision, fatigue, weight loss, or any more common occurrences.
He said, “Living with diabetes can seem like an uphill battle when initially diagnosed, but with a positive attitude and working closely with health care professionals, people with diabetes can lead full and active lives.
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“In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas becomes less effective at making insulin and the body’s cells are less responsive to it.
“Type 2 usually starts in middle or older age and can also be linked to genetic factors, but also to obesity, physical inactivity, stress and high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
“When blood sugar levels rise, it can be a serious long-term signal that leads to problems such as heart and kidney disease, strokes, nerve damage, and impaired vision. In some cases, amputations can occur. “
Could You Have Pre-Diabetes? Take this quick and easy test to find out
