New risk calculator can predict if YOU will develop diabetes in two minutes
TYPE 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes levels of sugar in the blood to become too high.
People who suffer with it are at an increased risk of serious issues with their heart, nerves and eyes.
Diabetes is a common condition – but there are things that you can do to reduce your risk[/caption]There are ways that you can prevent the condition, such as keeping a healthy diet and not smoking.
But experts have now created a calculator that will help you find out your risk of the illness in just minutes.
All you need is a tape measure and a set of scales and to be over the age of 18 to complete the quiz.
Once you have taken it you will be given a risk score between low, increased, moderate or high.
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For each question you answer, you get points which then add up to your risk assessment.
First you’ll be asked what your biological gender is, and this, Diabetes UK says, is because you are at a slightly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you are a man.
For example you would get one point for this, because of the increased likelihood of developing the illness.
You will also get additional points if your waist measurement is above 35.5 inches and if you have a Body Mass Index of over 25.
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Those who are any other ethnicity apart from European will also get additional points, as will those with high blood pressure.
It’s important to note however, that the results will not be accurate if you are pregnant or have a history of gestational diabetes which is a condition that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth.
Next you will be asked your age, as your risk of the illness goes up the older you become.
Because some ethnic groups are more likely to develop the condition.
Then you’ll be quizzed on whether or not you have a parent, brother, sister and/or own child with diabetes.
This is because having a close relative with the condition can also up your risk of developing it.
Top tips to avoid type 2 diabetes
Here's what you need to know about lowering your risk of type 2 diabetes
Marion Shirran is a stakeholder in NICE, the National Institute of Care and Health Excellence, revealed her tips.
Stop and think: Make a point of only eating when you’re physically hungry. Resist the temptation to reach for food just because it’s there in front of you
Cut back on booze: Not only is it full of empty calories, but it plays with your mind. Medical research has shown that when you consume alcohol, it stimulates the production of a hunger-increasing hormone, ghrelin.
Drink water: Drinking one, or ideally two large glasses of chilled water before a meal. After you have drunk the water the stomach’s receptors will perceive the fullness, the stomach will be stretched this will quickly dampen your appetite.
Get moving: Did you know that fidgeting, or just moving, can burn ten times more calories than just sitting still, which is great news when it comes to keeping your metabolism ticking over at a higher rate.
Cut out junk: Limiting your intake of highly processed foods that are often full of refined carbs and empty calories will help you to eat less food in general.
Improve mood: If you find yourself in a rut of low mood, taking steps to lift it will encourage you to make healthier choices around food and as a result it’s so much easier for you to achieve successful weight loss in the process.
Manage stress: Research has found that the stress hormone, cortisol not only slows down your metabolism, but at the same time it causes you to crave highly palatable foods that have an addictive combination of sugar, fat and salt.
Many people underestimate their waist size, and this can also be another key factor when it comes to diabetes.
The experts explained how to take your measurements: “Make sure you use a tape measure and use your fingers to feel for your bottom rib and the top of your hip bone and measure around your body directly between these two points.”
Being overweight or obese also increases your risk, so you will be asked both your weight and height – so that your BMI can be calculated.
This is used to see if your weight is healthy for your height.
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Your overall risk will also increase if you have had, have or have previously been given medication for high blood pressure.
Once you have answered all the questions you will need to provide your full name and email address, so your results can be sent to you directly.
You can use the calculator at the Diabetes UK website.
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