Diabetes: are you at risk?

Diabetes is one of the three biggest killers of women in Britain today, but make the right lifestyle changes and you could take yourself, along with female family members and friends, out of the danger zone.

Adviser to Diabetes UK* June James says: ‘You can delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Small changes can have a big payoff.' But early diagnosis is crucial to reduce the risk of complications. If you answer yes to one or more of the questions below, talk to your doctor about being tested.

1 Are you overweight?

Up to 80% of those with type 2 diabetes are overweight. The more overweight you are, the higher your risk.

2 Does your waist measure more than 80cm (31.5in) or 93cm (37in) for men?

Fat around your middle is a key risk factor.

3 Do you have a family history of type 2 diabetes?

If one parent has type 2 diabetes, you have a 15% chance of developing it. If both are affected, your risk rises to 75%.

4 Do you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or did you have gestational diabetes during pregnancy?

Half of women with gestational diabetes and between 10% and 20% of women with PCOS will go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

5 Do you often feel tired, thirsty, or get minor infections such as boils or thrush?

Yes
No
These can all be early symptoms of diabetes.

6 Are you of black or Asian origin?

People in these ethnic groups are five times more likely to have type 2 diabetes.

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