Studies suggest it’s not just how you live, but where, impacting your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).
Almost half the people diagnosed with T2D in Greater Manchester, live in the most deprived areas, according to NHS England.
Children living in the most deprived areas are five times more likely to develop T2D, than those in the least deprived areas, according to a report by Diabetes UK.
Expert in clinical education, Dr Derek Adu-Sarkodie said: “It’s not like because the risk is there, that means it’s going to happen.
“Just take some ownership of your health – learn about your family history, get your blood checked, know what your sugar levels are.
“Take simple sustainable steps to really protect your metabolism.
“Basically be smart about it and fit it [changes] into your lifestyle.”
The truth about sugar
Global health leaders, Abbott Laboratories, found nearly a third of Brits thought diabetics should only consume low-sugar meals.
And a whopping 76% of the public wrongly believe people with T2D should completely give up sugar.
The Wigan GP – he goes by Dr Derek, said: “I think it’s the danger of oversimplifying it basically.
“Sugar does play a role, yes, but that’s only a part of the picture.”
“There’s not really any good or bad foods,” he explained – which is more of a more nuanced message, that’s harder to get through to the public.
Dr Derek told MM a lot of his African patients would change their diets dramatically after being diagnosed with T2D.
They were “miserable” because they couldn’t eat or drink what they’re used to, but he recommends not being drastic.
He advised having meals that fill you up, but don’t spike your blood sugar: “The way you do that is by getting a good balance between the proteins and the fibre.”
Contrary to popular belief, people can do a lot to prevent T2D without avoiding sweet treats.
Even eating chocolate with a higher cocoa content, like 70% and above, is better for you – “It still has that chocolatey taste but there’s less added sugar,” he said.
Last year research from Harvard revealed eating dark chocolate, five times a week, is linked with reducing risk of developing T2D – by 21%.
Socioeconomic differences didn’t affect outcomes – which is good to know considering the link to deprivation – but there’s confounding factors, so it’s controversial.
Despite being a long study – over two decades of monitoring – more research is needed to replicate The School of Public Health’s findings.
“It’s all about balance” especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth – if you’re only adding dark chocolate to your diet, then your risk would probably be the same, Dr Derek said.
Preventing poor outcomes
From May 26 until June 1 it’s T2D Prevention Week – millions of Brits have the condition but many are misinformed.
Typically T2D affects people over 40 – but according to NHS England, there’s been a rise of 40% in young people diagnosed with T2D.
In Manchester 5% of people with T2D are young people, under 40.
However ONS data suggests 50% of 16-44 year olds living with T2D are undiagnosed.
If you’re pre-diabetic that means your blood sugar levels suggest you’re more at risk of developing T2D, but it can be prevented with lifestyle changes.
When your body isn’t using insulin properly and lots of sugar is left in your blood, that’s T2D – some risk factors can’t be helped but several can.
Dr Derek explained insulin resistance builds up over time with stuff like: “Diet, your body fat, chronic stress, poor sleep and lack of physical activity.”
Prevention is mostly about avoiding ultra processed foods that can impact this.
If you’re Black African, Black Caribbean, Chinese or South Asian, you’re more likely to develop T2D from 25 years old – and you’re generally more at risk.
He said studies show walking helps – it’s very effective by absorbing the glucose in your system, into the muscle.
Emphasising the importance of making healthy choices, he added: “Just make sure your step count is good, it’s good for your mental health as well.
“It’s about a lifestyle change.
“When it comes to diabetes, sleep is really important.
“And don’t cut out any macronutrients or go on any crazy diets.”
Complications are more likely in younger T2D patients compared to older people, NHS data suggests.
Numbers of T2D patients receiving treatment have improved, but figures still show having T2D when you’re under 40 can lead to worse outcomes.
The 2021-22 National Diabetes Audit, found three quarters of 19-25 year olds and two thirds of 26-39 year olds, did not receive “all eight care processes” – the recommended treatment for T2D.
Following GP recommendations – like Dr Derek’s – is a good way to prevent T2D, or poor outcomes.
Featured Image: Diabetes spelled in scrabble pieces by Markus Winkler on Pexels
Join the discussion