Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks
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There are two forms of diabetes – type 1 and the more common type 2. For those with type 1 diabetes, their blood glucose levels rise when their body cannot produce enough of a hormone called insulin. Type 2 diabetes is usually caused by being overweight or not exercising enough.
One expert explained how blood sugar levels can be reduced in people with type 2 diabetes by exercising not long after eating.
Registered dietician for Counterweight, Dr Naomi Brosnahan, shared her tips for improving blood sugar levels with Express.co.uk.
She said: “Glucose from a meal enters your bloodstream roughly 15 minutes after you start eating.
“If you do some exercise just after your meal, the glucose is quickly used by your muscles, which helps to bring your blood sugar level back down.
“Aim for 10 minutes of activity within 30 minutes of eating.”
This doesn’t have to be complicated or high-intensity activity though.
“Stretch, clean up, make a few trips up and down the stairs, do a round of squats at your desk – even a quick walk can make a big difference,” she said.
Exercising will not lower your risk of type 1 diabetes.
According to Diabetes.co.uk, “normal” blood sugar levels are:
Between 4.0 to 5.4 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) when fasting.
And up to 7.8 mmol/L two hours after eating.
For people with diabetes, blood sugar level targets are four to seven mmol/L before eating.
Blood glucose levels should be under nine mmol/L for people with type 1 diabetes, and under 8.5 mmol/L for people with type 2 diabetes after eating.
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes including if you:
- Are over 40 (or 25 for south Asian people)
- Have a close relative with diabetes (such as a parent, brother or sister)
- Are overweight or obese
- Are of Asian, African-Caribbean or black African origin.
If you have diabetes it is recommended you avoid foods high in sugar, fat and salt.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:
- Peeing more than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Feeling very tired
- Losing weight without trying to
- Itching around your genitals, or repeatedly getting thrush
- Cuts or wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision.
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