More people than ever have diabetes and are at risk of Type 2 diabetes. It's predicted that 5.5million people will have diabetes in the UK which is why it's vital we do what we can to prevent and recognise the symptoms.
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 is a genetic condition that often shows up in early life, whereas type 2 is primarily lifestyle-related and develops over time.
While this means that type 1 cannot be prevented, we can still do what we can to prevent type 2 diabetes.
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 is a genetic condition that often shows up in early life, whereas type 2 is primarily lifestyle-related and develops over time.
While this means that type 1 cannot be prevented, we can still do what we can to prevent type 2 diabetes.
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Symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes
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Prevention of type 2 diabetes
Losing weight, adopting more activity into your day, stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake can also help towards lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and improving your all-round health. A little extra activity each day can help. Some basic steps can really help to make a difference if they become a regular habit, such as walking to the shops/work rather using the car or getting off the bus a stop early.
Cutting out sugary food and drink and refined grains such as white bread and white rice is a good first step to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes as these food cause your body to produce a lot of insulin. Aim to have a balanced diet by basing meals around vegetables and include healthy sources of fat such as unsalted nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), olive oil, avocado, oily fish, meat and full fat dairy.
Cutting out sugary food and drink and refined grains such as white bread and white rice is a good first step to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes as these food cause your body to produce a lot of insulin. Aim to have a balanced diet by basing meals around vegetables and include healthy sources of fat such as unsalted nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), olive oil, avocado, oily fish, meat and full fat dairy.
If you think you are at risk...
If you think you might have or are at risk of developing diabetes, we recommend contacting your local GP or visit the NHS website.
If you'd like a more holistic approach when receiving help, such as financial support or counselling, or don't quite know where to start, feel free to contact our charity via one of our channels to see how we can help you.
If you'd like a more holistic approach when receiving help, such as financial support or counselling, or don't quite know where to start, feel free to contact our charity via one of our channels to see how we can help you.
- Call our free 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, 0345 605 1956 (UK) or 1800 939 122 (ROI) if you'd like to talk to someone directly about any problems you're facing.
- Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI) if you'd rather communicate with our trained volunteers via text message.
- Download our free Self Support App on iOS or Android to access resources on a variety of conditions and issues, self-assessment tools, coping strategies and referral pathways to expert advice and support.
- Visit one of our Lighthouse Beacons to speak to others facing similar issues in a safe and non-judgmental space.
