People in the North East have been urged to make sure they are aware of the key signs of diabetes following a significant increase in cases across the region.
Diabetes is a condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. Analysis by charity Diabetes UK released earlier this month showed that the number of people living with the condition in the North East has jumped by more than 7,000 compared to last year, as part of what the charity has called a "rapidly escalating diabetes crisis" across the UK.
4.3 million British people have been diagnosed with diabetes - which includes 7.3% of people across England on average - with 184,863 in the North East. However, it's thought that the true number could be much higher, with around 850,000 people in the UK estimated to have the condition but are yet to receive a diagnosis.
READ MORE: Symptoms of Parkinson's disease including common sign that can appear 'several years' early
There are two types of diabetes: type 1, a lifelong condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin, and type 2, where the body does not produce enough insulin or the body's cells do not react to insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1, with over 90% of adults who have the condition in the UK having type 2.
Here are the six main symptoms to watch out for, according to the NHS:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling very tired
- Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- Itching around the genitals, or frequent episodes of thrush
- Blurred vision
You should see your GP as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms, the NHS advises, as the condition is likely to get worse if left untreated and can cause long-term health problems. However, many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general, or there are no symptoms at all.
You may be more at risk of type 2 diabetes if you are overweight or obese, do not have a healthy diet, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are of Asian, Black African or Caribbean origin, take certain medicines such as steroids for a long time, have high blood pressure, or have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. You can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes through healthy eating, regular exercise and achieving a healthy body weight.
Many people have blood sugar levels above the normal range, but not high enough to be diagnosed as having diabetes. This is known as non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, or pre-diabetes. People with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but the risk can be reduced through lifestyle changes.
If you have non-diabetic hyperglycaemia, you may be eligible for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. The programme helps people make lasting lifestyle changes and has been shown to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
READ NEXT:
