Have you recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes? Or have you been living with it for years? You're not alone. In the past 25 years, the number of people diagnosed with the condition has more than doubled in the UK, from 1.4 million to 3.5 million, and this is expected to rise to 5 million by 2025. And these figures don't include those living with prediabetes, a precursor to diabetes, which is now affecting more than one-in-three British adults.
What is it?
Our body's blood-sugar levels are controlled by a complex hormonal mix, including insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. 'When food is digested, entering the bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into cells, for use as energy, but in diabetes, your body can't do this correctly,' says Woman's Weekly GP Dr Gill Jenkins. 'Prediabetes is where sugar levels are above normal but not high enough to be diabetes, though there's increased risk of developing diabetes.'
Is it lifestyle related?
This story is from the January 11, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 11, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GARDEN notes
Vibrant annuals and fruit and veg
Springtime IN VENICE
A weekend in this floating city is a feast for the senses
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Breathe EASY
Do you need an air purifier at home? We find out
Stress-free ENTERTAINING
Enjoy a seasonal prep-ahead spread with friends or family
Bonded FOR LIFE
As a new mother faced the most agonising of challenges, her best friend stepped in to hel
The easy way TO EXERCISE AND HEALTH
You don't need a gym to get fit, just mini bursts of activity throughout the day to get you in shape. Here's how
TESTED BY US!
Dry shampoo refreshes hair between washes - and lifts roots and boosts volume. Here are our favourites
'Coronation Street changed my life'
Actor Georgia Taylor on finding fun and lasting friendships on the cobbles
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY