Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition in which blood sugar levels rise due to insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term damage to organs, nerves and blood vessels. In many cases, people can live with the condition for up to a decade before receiving a diagnosis because early symptoms may be mild or absent.
Diabetes UK has urged people to better understand their personal risk by paying attention to key health indicators, including waist measurement, blood pressure and body weight. The organisation says monitoring and improving these factors through lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of developing the disease.
Waist measurement
While type 2 diabetes is often associated with being overweight, experts warn that even individuals with a normal body mass index (BMI) can be at risk if they carry excess fat around their midsection. Diabetes UK explains that abdominal fat can accumulate around vital organs such as the liver and pancreas, contributing to insulin resistance.
Recommended healthy waist measurements are under 80 centimetres for women and under 94 centimetres for most men.
Blood pressure
High blood pressure is another major risk factor and often goes unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms. It is linked not only to heart disease but also to diabetes. Diet, salt intake, alcohol consumption and caffeine can influence blood pressure, along with lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress and excess weight.
Weight
Although being overweight does not automatically cause type 2 diabetes, Diabetes UK says it remains one of several contributing risk factors. The organisation also warned that misconceptions about diabetes and weight can lead to stigma, discouraging people from seeking medical advice and preventive care.
Health authorities continue to encourage regular health checks and early lifestyle interventions as effective steps in reducing the growing burden of type 2 diabetes.
