Are you heading for diabetes? Here is what you need to know

What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet in the diabetic range. Left unchecked, this can progress to type 2 diabetes. However, early blood sugar management can prevent this progression. This also has lifelong benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney complications. Often, pre-diabetes has no symptoms, making regular health checks and awareness of your risk important.

What increases your risk?

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it. Insulin is a vital hormone that helps transport glucose from the blood into cells, where it is used for energy. When this process is impaired, blood sugar levels rise, eventually leading to type 2 diabetes. There is no single cause, but a mix of risk factors play a role. Risk factors you can change:

• Being overweight or obese (especially around your waist)

• Sedentary lifestyle (lots of sitting or lying down, minimal physical activity)

• Unhealthy eating habits

• Smoking

• High blood pressure or cholesterol Risk factors you cannot change:

• Being over 40 (or over 25 if you are from a high-risk ethnic group)

• Ethnicity: higher risk for South Asian, African or Caribbean communities

• Family history of diabetes

• History of gestational diabetes (having diabetes during pregnancy)

Know the early warning signs of diabetes

Most people with pre-diabetes have no obvious symptoms but, in some cases, these early signs may indicate undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Keep an eye out for:

• Feeling very thirsty

• Peeing a lot

• Feeling constantly tired or persistent low energy

• Slow-healing wounds

• Blurred vision

• Tingling in hands or feet

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes are typically diagnosed through an HbA1c test, which measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months. This is often picked up during routine NHS Health Checks, available for those aged 40 to 74 in England. If you are under 40 and concerned about your risk, or would prefer to test at home, Pharmacy2U offers reliable blood glucose monitoring kits.

What you can do now to help avoid diabetes

1. Understand how your diet affects your blood sugar
   
   Tools like a blood glucose monitor can help you understand how different foods affect your body, so you can make informed choices and feel more in control of your health. Read more in this article about staying in control of your diet.
   
   

2. Manage your cholesterol
   
   Keeping your cholesterol in a healthy range is key to lowering your risk. Regular monitoring helps you stay in control and make changes before problems arise. Check your cholesterol with a home testing kit.
   
   

3. Lose weight and reduce waist size
   
   If you are living with overweight or obesity even small amounts of weight loss are beneficial. Losing 5% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk. Monitoring your progress with tools like a BMI calculator and smart scales can help you stay motivated and on track. Learn more by reading an expert guide to healthy eating and explore the Pharmacy2U range of weight loss support.
   
   

4. Lower your blood pressure
   
   High blood pressure can increase your risk of developing diabetes and other complications. Regular home monitoring and quitting smoking can help protect your heart.
   
   • Keep track of your blood pressure

   • Get support with stopping smoking and discover smoking cessation aids

Take the first step: Know your risk of type 2 diabetes

Pharmacy2U is here to help you act early and take control. From at-home health checks to weight loss support and blood pressure monitoring, everything you need is in one convenient place. If you are concerned about your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, speak with a doctor for personalised and early support. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Start managing your risk today.

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