Turn back the clock with our Free Diabetes Check-up & Smartphone Apps

2.8 million people in the UK are diagnosed as having Diabetes, but it’s thought that up to another 1 million people have Diabetes and don’t know it. And another 7 million people are at risk of developing the Type 2 Diabetes

That’s 8 million people who don’t know they’re at risk. By the time they’re diagnosed they may already have developed serious complications, like high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney failure and nerve damage.

Well here’s some good news…

It’s not too late to turn back the clock on your risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Speak to our pharmacy team or download our app to find out:

• If you’re at risk
• What you can do to prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes
• Or, if you already have it, how to manage the effects

Arrange a FREE Diabetes Check-up now or if you can’t wait download one of our apps for Android and IPhone.
You can find them on the Android Market or the Apple Appstore by searching for Lloydspharmacy. Alternatively click on one of the links below or scan the relevant QR code with your IPhone or Android handset to download now.

Read on to find out more about the condition

What is Diabetes?

Glucose provides the body with energy and after eating the levels of glucose in the blood increase. The body releases a hormone called insulin which makes sure your blood glucose level doesn’t get too high or too low.

If you have diabetes you either produce too little insulin or resist its effects. Your body then uses other sources of energy and unused glucose in the blood builds up.

There are two main types of Diabetes; Type 1 & Type 2

The type we’re talking about and the one that affects most people is Type 2. It usually develops in people aged over 40 but can affect you at any age. The symptoms develop slowly and some people don’t notice anything for many years. It can often be treated successfully with a healthy balanced diet and physical activity, or with the addition of tablets or insulin injections.

Type 1 diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes develops when the insulin producing cells in the pancreas have been destroyed and therefore the body cannot produce any insulin
• The exact cause of the destruction of the cells is not known
• The most likely cause is the body having an abnormal reaction to the cells which could be triggered by a viral or other infection
• The symptoms are obvious and develop very quickly Symptoms are: weight loss, excessive passing of urine, constant thirst, tiredness, blurred vision, itchy skin around the genitals or regular infections, such as thrush
• Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age and commonly starts in childhood
• Type 1 diabetes accounts for between 5 and 15 per cent of all people with diabetes and is always treated by daily insulin injections, a healthy diet and regular physical activity
• There is nothing that you can do to prevent Type 1 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

• Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is still producing some insulin however it is not enough or it is not working properly
• Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in people over the age of 40
• The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes are usually less obvious and develop relatively slowly, with some people not noticing any symptoms for many years

You are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if :

• You are overweight or obese – this is the single biggest risk factor
• You are over 40 and Caucasian
• You are of South Asian, African Caribbean, Black African or Chinese descent and aged over 25 years
• Your waist measure 37 inches for men and 31.5 inches for women
• You have a family history of diabetes
• You have high blood pressure, or have had a heart attack or stroke
• You have had high blood glucose in the past
• You don’t take at least 30 minutes of exercise daily
• You have given birth to a large baby (over 4kg/9lb)
• You don’t regularly eat fruit and vegetables

Type 2 diabetes accounts for between 85 and 95 per cent of all people with diabetes and is treated with a healthy diet and increased physical activity. In addition to this, medication and/or insulin is often required.

Diabetes can lead to a number of serious complications

Including high blood pressure, stroke, eye damage (even blindness), nerve damage, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, kidney failure, leg ulcers and amputations. Many people have already developed one complication or more by the time they’re diagnosed, so finding out early is crucial.

Who gets Diabetes?

The vast majority of people with Diabetes have Type 2. You’re most at risk of Type 2 Diabetes if:

• Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is greater than 30 - this is the single biggest risk factor
• You’re white and aged over 40 years You belong to an ethnic minority group - South Asian, African Caribbean, Black African or Chinese descent and aged over 25 years
• Your waist measures over 37” for men, 31.5” for women
• You have a family history of Diabetes
• You have high blood pressure, heart disease or have had a heart attack or stroke
• You have high cholesterol
• You have had high blood glucose in the past
• You don’t take at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily
• You gave birth to a large baby (over 4kg/9lb)
• You don’t regularly eat fruit and vegetables

If any of these apply to you, ask a member of the pharmacy team for a FREE Diabetes Check-up.

The Lloydspharmacy Diabetes Check-up is quick and easy

Just pop in and ask the pharmacy team - we can usually carry out the check-up there and then. It’s completely confidential and takes just a few minutes.

• If we find out you’re at risk of developing Diabetes, we can advise you on how to slow or even reverse your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
• If we find out you’re at high risk of Diabetes, we’ll complete a blood glucose test and if appropriate, refer you to your GP. We’ll also give you advice and guidance on how to best manage your condition.

How can I reduce my risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes?

We’ll take you through the ways you can slow or reverse your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes as part of your Lloydspharmacy Diabetes Check-up, or you can read our tips now >>

What happens if I am diagnosed with diabetes?

Although diabetes cannot yet be cured, there are many things that you and your healthcare team can do to manage your condition and reduce its impact on your day-to-day life. Find out more about managing your condition >>

If you have any further questions or would like more advice on diabetes, you can contact Diabetes UK on 0845 123 2399 or visit their website at www.diabetes.org.uk