What are the risks of developing type 2 diabetes?

What are the risks of developing type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes can cause some serious complications to a number of organs in the body if blood glucose levels are not well managed over time.

Most of the complications associated with diabetes begin in a similar way with damage to the blood vessels. Blood vessels are the tubes that carry blood, which contains vital oxygen and nutrients, to all the major organs. 

High blood glucose levels over time can damage the lining of blood vessels which can cause fatty deposits to build up and harden (known as atherosclerosis). This can lead to the narrowing of the blood vessel which reduces blood flow.

Diseases affecting the blood vessels are the most common long-term complications and affect many of our vital organs. Click below to find out more:

Overweight

    Being overweight, particularly if you carry weight around your middle as it means that fat can build up around organs like your liver and pancreas.

Age

    If you are white, your risk of type 2 diabetes increases when you reach age 40. If you are African-Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian, your risk of type 2 diabetes increases when you reach age 25.

Ethnicity

    People of African-Caribbean, Black African, and South Asian descent are two to four times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Family history

    People of African-Caribbean, Black African, and South Asian descent are two to four times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Blood pressure

    If you’ve ever had high blood pressure this increases your risk. As resting blood pressure increases so does the risk of developing type two diabetes.




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