The incidence of Type 2 diabetes is higher in certain ethnic groups.    A recent study published in The Lancet see article examined the health records of over 1.4 million UK patients over a 6.5 year period.

The study found that the current practice of using BMI 30 as a starting point to consider Type 2 diabetes needs to be adjusted downwards for some ethnic groups. The figure of BMI 30 was based on the White population.

The results showed that surveillance for Type 2 diabetes should start at the following BMI scores :

South Asian population 23.9

Black population             28.1

Chinese population        26.9

Arab population              26.6

White population            30.0

We know that diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes needs to be as early as possible. Early interventions are weight loss and lifestyle changes. If these are not achieved, then medication is required.

Symptoms of Type 2 diabetes

• urinating more often than usual, particularly at night
• feeling very thirsty
• feeling very tired
• unexplained weight loss
• itchiness around the genital area, or regular bouts of thrush (a yeast infection)
• cuts or wounds that heal slowly
• blurred vision – caused by the lens of the eye becoming dry

If you have any of these symptoms, or are concerned about Type 2 diabetes, you should talk to your GP or pharmacist and discuss ways to reach a healthy weight.