Tuesday 14 November is Diabetes Awareness Day.

In the UK, the number of people with Diabetes is rising. It is estimated that 4.8 million people are living with it, with 3.9 million people actually  being diagnosed.

It's estimated that by 2025, 7.5% of the UK population will have diabetes, that is more than five million people.

Different types of diabetes

There are many types of diabetes but the two main types are type 1 and type 2.

Type 2 makes up 90% of diabetes cases. These are explained below.

Type 1

Type 1 can develop in anyone at any age and is often common in young people. The blood glucose needs to be kept at appropriate levels and this is often controlled by daily insulin injections.

Type 2 

This type is the most common type and makes up around 90% of all diabetes cases. It is the most common form in adults and although it can be hereditary, it is often caused through diet.

This type of diabetes can be reversed through diet change but often medication is required.

Mild symptoms include feeling thirsty and and feeling like you need to go to the toilet more regularly. It causes blood sugar levels to go dangerously high. Although some symptoms are mild, it can lead to much more serious health problems such as slow healing wounds, sight problems and numbness in feet and hands.

Our general health in the UK is getting progressively worse. Convenience foods and more sedentary lifestyle has had a huge effect on the health of people in the UK and other western countries.

There are things we can do to significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Exercise

Exercise is a huge factor. It is recommended by the Chief Medical Officers that we all should be aiming to do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activities each week, including some weight bearing exercise and we also should be reducing long periods of sitting.

By following these guidelines it has been shown that it reduces the risk of getting diabetes by a huge 40%!

Diet

The other main impact is our diet. Here are some quick tips to help you smarten up your diet.

1. Try to minimise the amount of salt and sugar consumed
2. Cut down (or cut out!) alcohol
3. Avoid processed foods
4. Try to eat a healthy 3 meals a day
5. Make your snacks healthy. Grab a piece of fruit or a small handful of unsalted nuts

Making small changes at a time is the way to go. Don’t try and completely change everything all at once!

Why not start your new year resolution early and aim to move more and make some small changes to your diet and lifestyle?

Get out for a walk, if you are worried about going out alone, get yourself a Nottingham On Call GO! personal device. Its worn discreetly around the neck and allows two way speech to our call centre if you need help. It also has a built in falls detector in case you take a tumble.

Or why not try some simple chair yoga, maybe add a couple of tins of beans to act as weights!

There are lots of things you can do to get moving and change your lifestyle. You will not only be physically healthier but you will also feel better. Win win!