One in ten people over the age of 40 in the UK is now living with a diagnosis of type II diabetes, that is 3.8 million people! A further one million people don't even know they have it!
Due to the increased prevalence of this disease, many brush it off as being 'one of those things that we all get', and do not fully understand how serious the complications can be. Controlling blood sugar levels is paramount in preventing serious illness, so this must be done through diet, regular exercise, stopping smoking and frequent blood sugar testing and management.
It is important to know the potential serious complications of uncontrolled diabetes as once you develop these, you cannot reverse them:-
# diabetic neuropathy - where your eye sight starts to diminish
# diabetic foot - the circulation to your feet reduces leading to sores and cuts, and possible amputation
# heart attack and stroke - high blood sugar affects the blood vessels
# kidney problems - high blood sugar and high blood pressure leading to kidney disease
# nerve damage - affecting the whole body
# cancer - your chances of developing cancers increases
# sexual health in men and women - increased risk of infection and impotence
Diabetes is a serious health condition, make sure you take up your free NHS health check if you are over 40 years old, prevention is better than cure.
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