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There are several factors that can work to increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, these include:

• Over 45 years of age
• Overweight (BMI <25)
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart disease
• A family history of diabetes
• Being a member of a high-risk ethnic group (including: Asian, Indian, African, Aboriginal and Pacific Islander)

The more of these risk categories you fall into, the greater your chance of developing diabetes.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetes?

It is common for people with diabetes to not display any recognisable symptoms. This is because they can develop slowly (or not at all) and be hard to recognise in the early stages. When further progressed, some of the common symptoms include:

• Excessive thirst or hunger
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained rapid weight loss
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow healing wounds

The side effects of diabetes can be very severe and take a long time to develop before the patient realizes they are there. This is why regular screening for diabetes is important; if diagnosed early, often simple dietary and exercise measures can aid in reducing or preventing the side effects of diabetes. Some of the side effects of diabetes are:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Nerve damage (Leading to amputation of lower limbs)
• Blindness in adults
• Erectile dysfunction