Get Active And Help Keep Diabetes At Bay …

The number of people with diabetes in the UK has reached an all-time high of 3.9 million, according to new figures released today by Diabetes UK.

Statistics, published at the start of Diabetes Week, show that there were 3,333,069 adults registered with diabetes in 2013-2014, an increase of more than 125,000 adults compared to the previous year. An additional 590,000 adults are also estimated to be living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.

Bridget Turner, Diabetes UK Director of Policy, said: “Over the last decade we have seen the number of people with diabetes rising at an alarming rate and these latest figures are a stark call to action – we must act now or face the very real danger of diabetes devastating the lives of even more people, and threatening to wreck the already over-burdened NHS.”

The good news is that for most people Type 2 diabetes is not inevitable. In fact, unlike Type 1 diabetes, which cannot be prevented, a staggering 80 per cent of cases could be delayed or prevented if everyone who is at risk made a few simple lifestyle changes.

Some risk factors such as age, family history and ethnicity cannot be changed, but the most important risk factor is being overweight.

Maintaining a healthy weight by doing regular physical activity and eating a healthy, balanced diet is the key to reducing your risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.

Active Nation supporter Suzanne Pindred is a brilliant example of how to tackle the disease. The Birchwood Leisure Centre regular turned to exercise to combat borderline diabetes, breast cancer and improve her overall fitness through a GP Referral Programme.

Suzanne said: “My advice to everyone is just get moving! Do whatever it is you can – whatever you like to do. It all makes a difference.

“Bring a friend with you, drag them along! It’s so much more fun if you’ve got someone to work out with. Even if you haven’t got someone, you will always make friends at the gym and in the classes and can then arrange to meet up.”

Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five days a week. Or just do a one and done workout routine everyday that only takes 7 minutes to finish.

Follow Suzanne’s advice as getting fit with others can be motivating, fun and you’re twice as likely to reach your exercise goals if you workout with a friend! Rather than just meeting for a coffee, why not go for a walk first or call into your nearest Active Nation venue for a swim, class or gym workout together?

Try something new! From aqua-aerobics to Zumba and Yoga, there is a type of exercise to suit everyone. If you find something that you enjoy doing you’re much more likely to keep it up, keep your weight down and keep Type 2 Diabetes at bay.

Diabetes UK is urging everyone with diabetes to seek out the support and education they need. Find out more at www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek  or search #DiabetesandMe on Twitter.

• Posted on: Friday, June 12th, 2015 by Bita Rezaei