Study shows Southern Asian community at increased risk of diabetes
New research from the University of Leicester shows that Southern Asians are more at risk of contracting Type 2 Diabetes because they have higher blood sugar levels than white Europeans.
The study, which is said to be the largest of its kind, found that the reason Southern Asians (people of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lanka origin) have higher blood sugar levels is not due to an unhealthy lifestyle such as smoking, or obesity.
The study of 4,688 white Europeans and 1,352 South Asians was led by Dr. Samiul Mostafa of the University of Leicester.
The findings of the study revealed that South Asians had higher levels of blood sugar over a three month period, and unhealthy lifestyle choices that influence diabetes were not a factor, leaving researchers trying to explain the reason:
Kash Khan from Birmingham was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes ten years ago.
It came as a complete shock to him because he was so fit and healthy, exercising regularly.
There are two types of diabetes if left undetected, it can lead to health complications including a stroke, blindness, kidney failure to name a few.
The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes is sometimes referred to as "childhood onset", it develops when the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. As a result the body is unable to produce any insulin and this leads to increased blood glucose levels, which in turn can cause serious damage to all organ systems in the body.
*Type 2 *is sometimes referred to as "adult onset". It is far more common than Type 1, around 90% of people in the UK with diabetes have Type 2. occurs when not enough insulin is produced by the body for it to function properly, or when the body’s cells do not react to insulin. This is called insulin resistance.
Many people have Type 2 diabetes for many years without realising. Early detection of Type 2 diabetes is important as early diagnosis and treatment can reduce your risk of developing complications later.
The main symptoms are:
Feeling very thirsty
Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night.
Extreme tiredness
weight loss and a loss of muscle bulk
Other symptoms include:
itchiness around the vagina or penis
recurring thrush as a result of the excess glucose in your urine
blurred vision caused by the lenses of your eyes becoming very dry
cuts and sores taking longer to heal
Not everyone experiences these symptoms and they are not usually severe in all who experience them.