Type 2 diabetes risk factors video: watch these cute pets to see if you’re at risk

We know that nobody wants to talk about Type 2 diabetes risk factors… But can you spare 1 minute to watch this adorable video of cute pets?

What are Type 2 diabetes risk factors?

• Over 45 years old
• Overweight or obese
• Inactive (don’t do much exercise)
• High blood pressure
• Family history of diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease history
• High-risk ethnic group (Asian, Indian, Coloured)
• Diabetes during pregnancy (or a baby over 4kg)
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

If you have a combination of these risk factors, you could have Type 2 diabetes. But it can often be reversed. Find out how to reverse Type 2 diabetes here.

Did you know?

All adults over 45 years old should have an annual diabetes screening.

National Department of Health

A simple diabetes test

A diabetes screening takes less than 5 minutes, it’s painless, and you’ll get the results immediately. You can get your blood sugar checked at your local clinic or pharmacy, and find out if you’re at risk of Type 2 diabetes. If you are, don’t panic! It can be reversed. But not if you don’t know that you have it.

Living well with Type 2 diabetes

If you already have Type 2 diabetes, don’t panic. Even if you can’t reverse it, you can still live a long, happy, healthy life with Type 2 diabetes. It all comes down to managing it: here are some helpful suggestions.

How do you manage Type 2 diabetes?

The most important thing to remember is TEEL:

• Take your medication
• Eat healthy food
• Exercise, a little each day
• Lose weight, if you need to

Join our diabetes community

Remember that you’re not alone in this: there are literally millions of us living with diabetes each day. Join Diabetic South Africans on Facebook to connect with other people with diabetes, and get tips and suggestions on how to make life easier.

What to read next?

How to reverse Type 2 diabetes: There is a ‘recipe’ for how to reverse Type 2 diabetes, and we’ve outlined it step-by-step here.

What is normal blood sugar? Here are the numbers to aim for if you have diabetes – and what normal blood sugar looks like.

COVID-19 and diabetes in South Africa: All the latest, expert advice. The one article you should read about COVID-19 and diabetes.