Diabetes is a common condition that affects just under four million people in the UK.
It’s caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin.
Insulin is needed by the body to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy.
You could be at risk of diabetes if you’re overweight or obese, but losing weight may help you to avoid the high blood sugar condition.
Obesity accounts for at least 80 per cent of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, said Diabetes.co.uk.
It’s believed that abdominal fat causes fat cells to release chemicals that make the body less sensitive to insulin, it said.
But, if you’re overweight, losing just a moderate amount of weight will help to lower your risk of diabetes.
“While the exact causes of diabetes are still not fully understood, it is known that factors up the risk of developing different types of diabetes mellitus,” said the medical website.
“It is a well-known fact that if you are overweight or obese, you are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly if you have excess weight around your tummy [abdomen].
“According to the NHS, a five per cent reduction in body weight followed up by regular moderate intensity exercise could reduce your type 2 diabetes risk by more than 50 per cent.”
The Joslin Diabetes Center added: “If you are at risk, type 2 diabetes can be prevented with moderate weight loss and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day.”
‘Moderate weight loss’ accounts for around 10 to 15 pounds, said the medical centre.
Reducing your weight by even a little bit can help to improve insulin sensitivity.
It could also lower your chances of developing cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, including heart disease and some cancers.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to prevent obesity, added Diabetes.co.uk.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that may affect patients’ every day lives, said the NHS.
But some people may have the condition and aren’t even aware of it, as the symptoms don’t necessarily make you feel unwell.
Common diabetes symptoms include feeling constantly thirsty, passing more urine than normal, and blurred vision.
Cutting back on the amount of sugar, fat and salt in your diet could also lower your chances of high blood sugar.
Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of diabetes.