Non-insulin-dependent diabetes - 'If you have worries, get tested'
- Introduction
- Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
- Causes of type 2 diabetes
- Treating type 2 diabetes
- Complications caused by diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes - looking after yourself
- glucose-levels
- 'There's no reason why you can’t achieve your dreams'
- 'If you have worries, get tested'
- 'Becoming diabetic forced me to change my life around'
- 'My children can’t believe how good their mum looks!'
- 'Diabetes can severely affect African-Caribbean and Asian people'
- Pregnancy
- Diet
- Education
- Selfhelp
- Questionstoaskpage
- Recipes
- Prevention
Clare Mehmet, a 58-year-old retired telecommunications interpreter, found out by chance that she had type 2 diabetes 10 years ago.
“I was waiting for a train when I saw a poster saying, ‘You could have diabetes: Are you thirsty all the time? Are you always tired? Is your vision blurred?’ I was shocked because I’d been experiencing all the symptoms, but put it to the back of my mind. So I promptly made an appointment with my GP, who confirmed that I had type 2 diabetes.
“At first I was terrified. I always thought people with diabetes were seriously ill, but once I looked into the condition I realised that as long as you change your diet and keep yourself fit and healthy, you can lead a full and active life.
“I’ve joined lots of support groups since I was diagnosed with diabetes, and I do voluntary work to raise awareness about the condition. It’s important that people watch out for the signs. Late diagnosis can cause serious complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke and nerve damage, which could lead to blood flow problems and even amputation. So if you have any worries, get tested.”
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