Check risk of diabetes online

Ray Winter, who was diagnosed with the condition 18 years ago, made his appeal on World Health Day yesterday (April 7).

He said, “I am wondering if people are aware that although men are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes they are less likely than women to check their risk?

“I wish I had been able to go online and check mine. I was diagnosed with type two diabetes 18 years ago, which came as a great shock.

“I was aware that I was overweight and consequently at risk of heart problems, strokes and various other problems.

“However, diabetes was not on my radar and I was totally ignorant of the serious complications and consequences that could ensue from developing it.”

Recent findings from Diabetes UK revealed men to be 38 per cent less likely to check their risk of type two diabetes than women.

Ray added, “While I recommend everyone does this, I am especially urging all Eastbourne men to go online and check their risk.”

Diabetes UK estimates there are 9,900 people in Eastbourne Hailsham and Seaford who have type two diabetes but don’t know it.

However, diagnosis can make all the difference as it means people can start learning about their condition and how to manage it well, giving them the best chance to live a long healthy life and avoid complications.

The most important risk factor for developing type two diabetes is being overweight or obese. This is something people can do something about by maintaining a healthy weight through eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise. Other risk factors for are ethnicity and family history if you have a parent, child, brother or sister who has diabetes.

Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk online tool has now been used over one million times. The tool takes you through seven quick questions and takes less than three minutes to complete.

Finding out early could avoid complications such as amputation, blindness and kidney damage in the future.

Visit www.diabetes.org.uk/risk.

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