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.