A senior pharmacist has explained the key warning signs of diabetes, as she said it was on the rise in the UK. With one in five people in the UK living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s pharmacy superintendent, revealed the symptoms to look out for and shared advice on how to lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
She said: “There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 happens when a person cannot produce insulin, a hormone that helps the body turn glucose into energy. Type 2 diabetes happens when the body does not make enough of or not use insulin properly. Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2.”
Diabetes symptoms to be aware of
Niamh said: “Symptoms for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are very similar, although it’s worth noting that Type 1 diabetes symptoms tend to come on more quickly and are usually more severe than Type 2 diabetes. These are typically more subtle and gradually develop over time. In fact, many people have Type 2 diabetes without even realising, therefore it’s important to be aware of the signs.
“Common signs of diabetes include feeling more thirsty than usual. Frequent urination, especially at night. Feeling hungry, even after eating and feeling tired. People with Type 1 diabetes may also have unexplained weight loss.”
Ways to prevent diabetes
While you can’t reverse Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes can be put into remission through diet, exercise and weight loss.
Niamh said: “There is no cure for diabetes, however Type 2 diabetes can go into remission when blood sugar levels return to a safe, non-diabetes level long term, without the need for glucose-lowering medication. Losing weight, especially around the waist, is the most effective way to help put Type 2 diabetes into remission.
“Healthy eating also plays a big role. Try to adopt a diet that focuses on whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains which can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin insensitivity.
“Reducing your intake of refined sugars and processed foods is also critical in helping to prevent spikes in blood glucose levels. Increasing your daily physical activity can support weight loss and also help combat the effects of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week, that’s the equivalent of 20-30 minutes a day.”
“If you’re concerned that you may have diabetes then Superdrug offers a range of diabetes tests to help individuals. Superdrug’s high street health clinics offer a HbA1c test or Diabetes Check Blood Test, £59, which can help indicate your risk of developing pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Superdrug Online Doctor offers a Diabetes Test Kit, from £40, and Type 2 Diabetes Treatment and Testing, from £20, both with doctor assessments and advice.”