Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that, if left untreated, can lead to severe health complications. Many individuals may unknowingly live with this condition for years because its symptoms often remain unnoticed.
Diabetes UK urges people to evaluate their risk by keeping an eye on key health indicators that could increase their chances of developing the disease, such as waist circumference, blood pressure, and body weight. Although these factors can indicate a higher risk, they are frequently manageable through simple lifestyle changes.
Waist measurement
Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with being overweight, but it can also affect people who have a normal or low Body Mass Index (BMI). Experts at Diabetes UK highlight that fat accumulation around the abdomen is a significant warning sign, regardless of a person’s overall weight.
They explained, “Extra weight around the midsection means fat can accumulate around organs like the liver and pancreas. This leads to a condition known as insulin resistance because the insulin cannot penetrate the fat.”
Maintaining waist measurements below certain thresholds is considered healthy:
- 80cm (31.5in) for all women
- 94cm (37in) for most men
- 90cm (35in) for South Asian men
Exceeding these measurements indicates an increased risk of diabetes. For individuals concerned about their waist size, experts advise increasing physical activity and following a balanced diet to help reduce excess weight.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure seldom produces noticeable symptoms, yet it significantly raises the likelihood of developing serious health conditions ranging from heart disease to diabetes. Those living with diabetes face an elevated risk of hypertension as well.
Your diet plays a crucial role in controlling blood pressure levels. Cutting back on salt, alcohol and caffeine intake can help reduce these readings. Additional lifestyle elements affecting blood pressure include tobacco use, stress levels and carrying excess weight.
Blood pressure checks are widely available at most chemists, doctors’ surgeries and certain workplaces. Some people might also consider purchasing home monitoring devices for regular checks.
Weight
Diabetes UK explains: “Living with overweight or obesity alone doesn’t cause type 2 diabetes as many people think, but it is one of the factors that can increase your risk. This misunderstanding leads to unfair judgment and shame (stigma) which stops people going to healthcare appointments to get the help they need to help them lower their risk of type 2 diabetes.”
The NHS provides an online BMI calculator to determine whether you fall into the overweight or obese categories. Using this resource requires measuring both your height and weight. Based on your results, the calculator will also provide guidance on appropriate weight management strategies.
