DIABETES
Risk factors
Type 1 Diabetes is often “inherited”, meaning you are genetically more at risk of having the condition if a close family member also has it. Another possible way to get diabetes is when it is triggered by an event, such as a viral infection or damage to the pancreas.3,5
- Overweight/obesity
- Family history of diabetes
- Ethnicity (Black, Asian and Latino persons have a higher risk to develop diabetes)
- History of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Increasing age
Require more information or have any questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Symptoms
Diabetes (especially Type 1) may present with characteristic symptoms such as:3,4
Thirst
Urinating a lot / often
Blurred vision
Sudden weight loss
Always feeling hungry
Type 2 diabetes may have symptoms similar to those of type 1 diabetes but, in general, symptoms are much less dramatic, and the condition may initially be completely symptomless.3 For this reason it is important to have your blood glucose checked by your healthcare professional regularly to ensure the condition is diagnosed as early as possible.
Diabetes Risk Checker
A helpful tool is available to check whether you at risk of developing complications from diabetes and provide you with some conversation starters to use during your next visit with your healthcare professional. Use the risk checker today.
This test is not intended to be a substitute for a medical consultation. Please speak to your doctor if you need more information about your risks for Diabetes.
Diabetes Risk checker
are your heart and kidneys at risk?
Diagnosis
Diabetes is diagnosed with 3 interventions:3-5
- Getting your and your family’s medical history
Your healthcare professional will ask about family history of diabetes and heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, other health conditions, and whether you have any of these conditions. They will also check your weight, activity levels and ask about your dietary habits.
- A blood test
This test will show your blood glucose levels as well as the level of a substance called haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c).
You may have diabetes if your blood glucose levels are:
- When you fasted, higher than 7 mmol/L
- When tested randomly, higher than 11,1 mmol/L
- And your HbA1c level is >6,5 %
- A glucose tolerance test
After a period of fasting, your blood glucose will be measured (called fasting blood glucose). You will then be asked to drink 75 g of glucose solution, and your blood glucose will be measured every 1-2 hours to see how your body processes the glucose.3
You may need to have these tests repeated a few days later before being formally diagnosed with diabetes.3
