Around 9 in 10 people with diabetes in the UK have type 2 diabetes. Many people don’t know they have it because the symptoms often happen slowly and some people only find out after a routine blood test or NHS Health Check. Type 2 diabetes starts when your body doesn’t use insulin properly or it can’t make enough of it. This causes sugar to build up in your blood instead of being used for energy. Knowing what are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in the UK can help you spot the signs early and make changes that could lower your chances of developing the disease. You can read more about symptoms and diagnosis on the NHS guide to type 2 diabetes.
Being Overweight
Being overweight is one of the biggest warning signs for type 2 diabetes, especially if the weight gain is around your waist. Too much fat in this area makes it harder for insulin to work properly so your blood sugar levels can rise over time. Someone might slowly gain weight over several years without noticing much difference and they might feel well, but a routine health check can show that their blood sugar is higher than it should be. Losing even a small amount of weight can help to lower your risk of getting diabetes.
Not Getting Enough Exercise
Being active can also help your body control blood sugar. You don’t have to run marathons or spend hours at the gym because walking, swimming, gardening, cycling or even taking the stairs at work can also help. It’s also a good idea to avoid sitting down for long periods of time. For example, someone who sits at a desk all day, drives home and spends the evening watching television is still spending most of the day without moving enough. Getting up every hour for a few minutes or taking a walk at lunchtime can make you fitter. The NHS Better Health website has lots of ideas to help you get moving.
Your Diet
Eating lots of takeaways and processed foods or drinking sugary drinks can increase your chance of developing diabetes, especially if it leads to you gaining weight. Try to eat more fruit, vegetables, wholegrain foods, beans, fish and lean meat. You don’t need to change everything in your diet at once as small changes are often easier to stick to.
Family History
Type 2 diabetes often runs in families, so if your mum, dad, brother, sister or child has diabetes, your own risk is higher. It doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get it, but it’s worth keeping an eye on your health.
Age and Ethnicity
The risk of type 2 diabetes goes up as you get older. For most White adults, the risk increases after the age of 40. People from South Asian, Black African, Black Caribbean and Chinese backgrounds have a higher risk and are more at risk from around the age of 25. If this applies to you, it’s useful to understand what are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in the UK and speak to your GP if you’re concerned.
Other Health Conditions
Some health conditions can also make type 2 diabetes more likely. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Prediabetes
- Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Previous heart attack or stroke
You can find more information on the Diabetes UK website.
Smoking, Alcohol and Sleep
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can also increase the chance of developing diabetes, especially if it makes you put on weight. The UK guidelines say you shouldn’t drink more than 14 units a week. Sleep is important too and if you get too little sleep, or poor quality sleep, this has been linked to a higher chance of type 2 diabetes.
Can You Lower Your Risks?
Some risks, like your age or family history, can’t be changed but others can. Changes can make a big difference, and these can include:
- Keeping to a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet
- Being active most days
- Stopping smoking
- Only drinking alcohol within the recommended limits
- Getting enough sleep
- Going for an NHS Health Check if you’re eligible for one
Many people don’t realise they have type 2 diabetes until it’s picked up during a routine blood test. That’s why it’s worth knowing what are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in the UK. The earlier you know your risks, the faster you can make changes. Even small things, like walking more, losing a bit of weight or eating healthier foods, can have a positive effect over time.
FAQs
What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in the UK?
The main risk factors include being overweight, not being active enough, having a family history of diabetes, getting older, having a larger waist size and being from a South Asian, Black African, Black Caribbean or Chinese background. Smoking, high blood pressure and some medical conditions can also increase your risk.
Can type 2 diabetes be prevented?
Not every case can be prevented, but many can. Keeping to a healthy weight, eating well, exercising regularly and not smoking can all help lower your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Who should have a diabetes check?
If you’re over 40, have a family history of diabetes, are overweight or have other risk factors, it’s worth speaking to your GP. Many people aged 40 to 74 in England are also eligible for a free NHS Health Check, which can help spot early signs of type 2 diabetes.
