Risks

Developing type 2 diabetes under the age of 40 is sometimes referred to as 'early onset type 2 diabetes'.

At this stage it comes with an increased risk of other long-term conditions compared to later onset type 2 diabetes. However, these risks can be reduced with lifestyle changes, meaning there can be more scope and time to better manage the condition.

Find out your risk of type 2 diabetes

Checking your risk of type 2 diabetes only takes a couple of minutes. Why wait? Take the test today.

Type 2 diabetes know your risk

Videos

NHS Kent and Medway has created a series of short videos, breaking down specific areas of day-to-day diabetes management.

These can help to explain any myths or questions around diabetes and the experts provide useful and achievable advice.

  • Early onset diabetes introduction.
  • What is early onset diabetes?
  • Why have I got early onset diabetes?
  • How can early onset diabetes affect me?
  • Part one: Taking control of your diabetes.
  • Part two: Taking control of your diabetes.
  • Having the right attitude.
  • Keeping active.
  • Eating well and watching your weight.
  • Early onset diabetes and pregnancy.
  • Planning your pregnancy.
  • During your pregnancy.

Taking control

Alongside the daily management of type 2 diabetes, the NHS recommend nine tests that should be completed annually to help yourself and healthcare professionals track the effects on the body.

These are called the nine care processes and are completed at an annual review via the GP practice.

  • HbA1c - taken from a blood test and details an average figure of your body's glucose levels.
  • Cholesterol - tested using a blood test to check any risks for cardiovascular disease.
  • Blood pressure - taken at the review.
  • Kidney function test - taken from a blood test to check and checking for any changes.
  • Urine test - taken on the day of review, checking for glucose in the urine.
  • Smoking status - prompting conversations around stopping smoking wherever possible.
  • Foot check - foot health is vitally important within diabetes care. Checks for feelings and pulses in the foot.
  • BMI (Body Mass Index) - a view on the individual's number and opportunities to decrease this.
  • Retinopathy - an annual eye test, not at the GP practice, that checks for any damage to the back of the eye.