30-second test can reveal if you're living with hidden killer condition
Health experts have revealed a quick 30-second test which could determine whether or not you're living with a serious condition.
Diabetes is a lifelong condition which causes abnormal levels of sugar in your blood and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
The illness is also split into two main types, based on whether your body creates either too little or no insulin at all.
What is type two diabetes?
Making up around 90 percent of all diabetes cases, type two diabetes develops when you have dangerously high blood sugar levels due to the body not being able to create enough insulin, or the insulin your body creates isn't working properly (also known as insulin resistance).
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Symptoms of type two diabetes include excessive thirst, excess weeing and feeling really tired.
Ethnic background, weight gain and family history can also increase your risk of developing diabetes.
According to figures from the Diabetes UK, around 4.4 million people in the UK live with the condition, with an additional 1.2 million people potentially living with undiagnosed type two diabetes.
What are the dangers of type two diabetes and can you test for it?
If left untreated, type two diabetes can cause a number of potentially fatal complications for the body, this includes: organ failure, damage to blood vessels and nerves, kidney damage, eye damage and an increased risk of heart disease or stroke.
If you're concerned that you may have type two diabetes, charity Diabetes UK has a straightforward test on its website which you can take. All you need are scales and a tape measure.
The quiz - available here - takes into consideration your weight, waist-to-hip ratio, age and ethnicity before giving you a risk score between 0 and 47.
The lower your score, the less likely you are to develop type two diabetes.
It should be noted this test isn't a substitute for seeking a diagnosis from a doctor.
If you're worried about diabetes or score as high risk on the test, you should make an appointment with your GP to conduct further necessary testing.
If you're worried about developing diabetes or have a family member with the condition, Diabetes UK also has plenty of advice on how to minimise your risk.
Tips include eating a varied diet and moving more to maintain a healthy body. Foods which are high in fibre and complex carbohydrates are recommended while guidance states you should avoid high amounts of saturated fats.
Diabetes UK also suggests limiting your intake of red meat and processed carbohydrates, such as white bread.
Topics: Health
Brenna Cooper