A NEW campaign has been launched to raise awareness of type 2 diabetes among under 40s in the West Midlands as shocking statistics reveal there are more than 16,300 in the region in that age bracket already living with the condition.
Nationwide the number of registered cases have increased by 23 per cent in the past five years in the under 40s group.
The serious condition has more severe and acute consequences in the under 40s and, without the right treatment and support, can lead to serious complications which include kidney failure and heart disease.
Now a charity partnership between Diabetes UK and Tesco has analysed NHS data and has set up a new free online tool to help people across the West Midlands to check their type 2 risk.
Many West Midlands’ under 40s are unaware of type 2 diabetes symptoms, or the devastating complications the condition can lead to.
The research also shows the impact the cost-of-living crisis has had. A total of 57 per cent said they had deprioritised their health as a direct result of the current crisis, with 23 per cent saying they had avoided or put off medical checks.
The UK-wide survey of people aged between 18 and 39 also found 67 per cent in the West Midlands did not know how to check their type 2 diabetes risk, 61 per cent were unaware of what the symptoms were and few realised it could lead to amputations (in 30 per cent), strokes (27 per cent) and depression (20 per cent).
Symptoms include going to the toilet more often, especially at night, feeling more tired as the body cannot get enough glucose to cells for energy, unexplained weight loss, genital itching or thrush, cuts or wounds taking longer to heal, blurred vision and extreme thirsts.
Visit riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/c/tesco for more on the tool.
The simple process analyses participants’ information, including age, height, weight, waistline, BMI, background and whether there is a family history of diabetes before producing a ‘risk factor’ result and advice on how the level can be reduced.
As well as offering in-store support at Tesco pharmacies, the supermarket giant has produced a series of healthy and budget-friendly recipes, which are available through the Tesco Real Food website.
Shannon Ball, 26, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at the age of 16.
She said: “I know how overwhelming a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes can be for a younger person – I’ve lived through it – and I also know how difficult it can be to know where to go for support or advice if you’re worried about your health.
“That’s why I want to help as many people as possible understand their risk of type 2 diabetes and find the support to act.
She added she was proof with the right advice and support it was possible for people to be more in control of their health.
Go to tesco.com for the nearest Tesco Pharmacy and tesco.com/pharmacy for an assessment.
