Are YOU in the diabetes danger zone? The string test that reveals key sign – plus how to REVERSE silent killer
Millions of people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, yet have no clue of the potential deadly timebomb waiting to explode. But how do you know if you're among those on the precipice of a diagnosis?
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Over 10,000 Brits are living with end-stage kidney failure due to the condition, and it causes thousands more to go blind.
Type 2 diabetes also raises the risk of eight different types of cancer.
Every two minutes a new case is diagnosed, and a staggering 4.6million Brits have been diagnosed with it - but experts warn 6.3million of us are living in the diabetes 'danger zone'.
If this non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, or prediabetes, is left untreated, we could go on to develop type 2 diabetes.
Dr David Unwin, a GP in Southport, Merseyside and the Royal College of General Practitioners' clinical expert on diabetes, tells Sun on Sunday Health: 'When I trained at university, type 2 diabetes only affected people over 60.
'Sadly that has changed a huge amount in the last 40 years. Now it's not unusual to see patients in their early 20s with diabetes or prediabetes. Tragically, we're even starting to see young children diagnosed.
'That's really worrying, as diabetes damages your arteries over time.
'If you're diagnosed at 70, there's less time for the damage to occur. But if you're diagnosed in your 20s, it will begin earlier.
'Diabetes is shortening lives - through cardiovascular disease, stroke and an increased risk of cancer.'
Prediabetes is the period in which blood sugar levels are elevated but full-blown diabetes hasn't yet begun.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes are all dubbed 'silent killers' - should we really be that worried?
Esther Walden, senior clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, says if you have this you are at 'high risk' of developing type 2.
But Dr Unwin believes knowing this could be 'good news'.
'This is an early warning sign of something that doesn't have to happen,' he says.
'It's a golden opportunity to cut back on foods that raise blood sugar, exercise more and generally be a bit healthier.
'Loud and clear, I want to send a message that warding off this illness isn't necessarily complicated. You can turn your life around.'
Many people with prediabetes may not be aware as it's symptomless.
But here, Dr Unwin shares some warning signs that may indicate you're one of them.
1. STRING TEST
IT'S not just being overweight but the distribution of fat that matters.
If you're big around the middle, you're at an increased risk. We call this 'central obesity '.
Cut a piece of string to the same length as your height then fold it in half and wrap it around your waist.
If the string meets or overlaps, you're off the hook. But if you can't make the ends touch, you're more likely to develop diabetes.
2. ARE YOU TATT?
MANY patients think they're tired all the time simply due to getting older.
But I would always check for prediabetes as your blood sugar might be too high or low.
3. WHAT'S YOUR NUMBER?
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BEING diagnosed with high blood pressure - when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is too high - is another risk factor.
The NHS defines this as 140/90mmHg when measured by a healthcare professional.
You can get yours checked for free at your GP surgery or local pharmacy.
HOW TO REVERSE PREDIABETES
WHILE Diabetes UK believes around half of prediabetes patients can reduce their risk of developing the disease, Dr Unwin says they have reversed all cases at his surgery.
'We offered 100 patients with prediabetes a low-carb diet at my practice. Two years later, not one had developed diabetes and 93 per cent ended up with normal blood sugar, reversing this prediabetes just by making a few lifestyle changes,' he says.
'Many also lost weight, their blood pressure improved - all without medication.'
Remember: it's not just cakes and biscuits that raise your blood sugar levels.
Dr Unwin says: 'Sugar itself is obvious, but the thing that most people miss - and I missed it myself for years - is that starchy carbohydrates like bread, breakfast cereals, potatoes and rice digest down into surprising amounts of sugar.
'A 150g portion of boiled rice and a medium-sized baked potato are each roughly equivalent to 10 teaspoons of sugar.
'You should focus on eating more green vegetables and protein.'
Esther believes weight loss is key to reversing the condition.
'If you are overweight or obese and at high risk of type 2 diabetes, even small amounts of weight loss can be beneficial,' she says.
'Losing five per cent of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk.'
If you are worried you might have prediabetes, speak to your GP.
Support is also available from Diabetes UK (diabetes.org.uk, 0345 123 2399).
4. DRUG ALERT
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PEOPLE taking steroids for conditions such as asthma or arthritis are at higher risk as they can increase your blood sugar levels.
Look out for signs like going to the toilet more frequently, feeling really thirsty and being more tired than usual.
5. SKIN DEEP
ANOTHER possible sign of prediabetes is darkened patches of skin on certain parts of the body, like the neck, armpits or groin.
Known as acanthosis nigricans, this can indicate the body is struggling to manage blood sugar.
6. TESTING TIMES
IF you've had a blood test and your triglycerides (fat in your blood) were high, you are in the diabetes danger zone.
Having raised liver enzymes or an abnormal liver function test is another risk factor.
More than two thirds of the UK population now has fatty liver, which reduces your ability to deal with sugar and refined carbs like bread.
7. MUM'S THE WORD
GESTATIONAL diabetes - high blood sugar during pregnancy - usually disappears after giving birth.
But women who have had it at any age are still at increased risk of prediabetes - particularly those aged 40-plus, with a BMI above 30.
You should have a blood test to check for diabetes six to 13 weeks after giving birth, and annually after that if the result is normal.
8. FAMILY HISTORY
CERTAIN ethnic groups are more susceptible to insulin resistance from the age of 25.
This includes those of South Asian, Afro-Caribbean and Black African descent.
9. THE CHANGE
WHILE men are more likely to develop diabetes, a woman's risk increases around menopause.
Once you hit 'the change', you're in the danger zone.
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