For thousands of people, Type 2 diabetes is a ticking timebomb. MAXINE GORDON reports.

MORE than 4,000 people in York are walking about with Type 2 diabetes - but don't know it.

That's just a fraction of the 630,000 people in the UK who are living undiagnosed with the serious medical condition that - if left untreated - can lead to devastating complications such as blindness, amputation, kidney failure and stroke.

Next Monday and Tuesday, (May 12 and 13) Diabetes UK is bringing its Healthy Lifestyle Roadshow bus to York with the aim of highlighting people at risk of developing this disease and handing out information about diet and fitness.

Being overweight is one of the biggest risk factors to developing Type 2 diabetes, particularly if you have a large waist, as does having a relative with the disease.

The bus, which will be parked in Parliament Street, will have lots of information aboard as well as trained staff able to offer quick and confidential assessments so that people can find out if they are at risk of diabetes.

Linda Wood, of Diabetes UK, said: “We will have staff and specially trained volunteers in York to have a look at how likely you are to develop Type 2 diabetes now and in the next ten years, through a series of questions and measurements – but there’s nothing scary about our roadshow and no blood tests.

“It won’t take long, but could be an important way of finding the right path to a healthier life. There will be lots of information, encouragement and advice about Type 2 diabetes and reducing your own risk of getting the condition.”

It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of Type 2 diabetes cases could be delayed or prevented by lifestyle changes, particularly by healthy eating and taking exercise.

Tracy Kelly, a clinical advisor from Diabetes UK, highlights the small changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle to help you lose weight and reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes:

Portion sizes

Retrain your brain by eating from a smaller plate. A healthy serving of protein should not be larger than a palm-size piece of meat. Carbohydrate servings such as pasta can be measured by fistfuls. A healthy serving of pasta should be one fistful.

Meat alert

Use lower fat meats such as chicken and turkey or fish. Alternatively, you can use pulses such as peas, beans or lentils to replace or supplement meat in traditional recipes. They can also be used in soups and salads and can work out cheaper than most cuts of meat.

Sugar and fat watch

Nearly a quarter of added sugar in our diets comes from soft drinks, fruit juice and other non-alcoholic drinks. Investigate low calorie or sugar-free alternatives. Also, try to grill, bake, poach, steam, microwave or boil foods instead of frying them.

Make lifestyle changes with others

If you need a helping hand with your diet or upping your physical activity why not think about joining a weight management group or seeing if friends would be interested in swapping the odd night out for a swim or a walk.

Make new habits

It may be hard at first to cut out sugar from your tea or walk to work but it should become second nature very soon.


Fact file:

• In the UK, there are around 3.8 million people with diabetes, about ten per cent have Type 1, the rest Type 2.

• Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly.

• People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. It usually affects children or young adults.

• People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly. They might get Type 2 diabetes because of their family history, age, ethnic background or if they are overweight.

• Symptoms of diabetes include urinating more, increased thirst, extreme tiredness, regular episodes of thrush and blurred vision.

Are you at risk? Find out online at: diabetes.org.uk/risk


Case study:

KEITH Chapman was taken by surprise when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 22 years ago.

It was discovered during a medical check-up for work. Keith, now aged 67, of York, says he didn't have any symptoms, wasn't particularly overweight, but did have a sweet tooth.

He said: "It was a shock. It is a life-changing condition, and you are going to worry about it. But I was told to look after myself, take exercise and eat sensibly.

"I used to like an orange drink and ice-cream, but I have to take it easy. You have got to take responsibility."

Keith has to check his blood sugar levels daily and is on medication to control the condition.

He says anyone at risk or newly diagnosed can do a lot to help themselves.

"If you can take control of it then your quality of life is going to be better. If not, your body could break down and you could end up with an amputation or eye problems."