Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks

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Type 2 diabetes is largely linked to obesity, accounting for up to 85 percent of cases. Diabetes UK stated that the strongest evidence to date suggests that losing weight can put the condition into remission. “If you have obesity, you are more likely to put your diabetes into remission if you lose a substantial amount of weight,” said Diabetes UK. Remission is when blood sugar levels are below the diabetes range, without the help of medication.

Those who are heavily overweight would benefit from losing 15kg, said the charity – this is equivalent to 2st 5lb.

Mark – who previously weighed 27st – went onto Loose Women to talk about the beginning of his weight loss transformation following his diagnosis.

“I’m still eating very well – I’m just cutting out sugar because of the type 2 diabetes.

“The big secret, which somebody told me is the thing that all people who are very, very overweight have in common, is that they don’t eat breakfast.

“I now eat breakfast and make the point of sitting down with my children, eating breakfast and starting the day well.”

How does losing weight help with type 2 diabetes?

Diabetes UK explained that carrying extra weight causes visceral fat to build up around important organs, such as the liver and pancreas.

This makes it more difficult for these organs to work properly, which can lead to insulin insensitivity.

Insulin insensitivity refers to the body’s inability to respond to the hormone insulin.

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Insulin is released by the pancreas whenever somebody has something to eat.

Usually, if the body’s cells respond to insulin, then the energy from food (i.e. sugar) can enter the cells and be utilised.

If a person has too much fat around their pancreas, and the body’s cells don’t respond to insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream instead.

This means every time somebody eats, even more sugar is stuck in the bloodstream.

The body then tries to get rid of this excess sugar in the bloodstream, which present as symptoms of the condition.

This includes:

• Increased frequency of urination
• Repeated bouts of thrush
• Fatigue

As energy is squandered in the bloodstream, and isn’t able to enter the body’s cells, it’s understandable why a person becomes extremely tired.

In addition, other symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Slow healing of cuts and wounds

Not only does type 2 diabetes present with uncomfortable symptoms, these inconveniences are minor compared to the damage being done inside.

High blood sugar levels can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and nerve damage.

One of the best ways to manage diabetes – and to help prevent the condition from developing in the first place – is to exercise and eat a healthy diet.

Doing both these things can lead to weight loss, which is exactly what Mark has achieved.

ITV’s Beat The Chasers Celebrity Special will be airing at 8.30pm on Saturday, March 27.

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