Men urged to take diabetes test
07 April 2016 08:31
A traditional GP's diabetes test
Far fewer men than women are going online to see if they are at risk from developing type-2 diabetes.
Over one million Britons have already taken advantage of Diabetes UK's simple website tool which assesses their risks based on information provided.
The charity says around 33% more women use it than men.
This is even though men are in greater danger of getting the illness.
Hassle-free foreign holidays
Diabetes patients have nothing to worry about if they want to go on holiday abroad.
Tailor-made diabetes-related travel insurance can be offered to suit an individual's requirements.
It can cover medical expenses, including the replacement of damaged or lost medication, as well as 24/7 access to doctors.
How does the tool work?
Being able to assess the probability of getting type-2 diabetes is only a few clicks and minutes away.
Diabetes UK developed the Know Your Risk website questionnaire in conjunction with the University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust and the University of Leicester.
It uses the following key information to weigh-up a person's risk:
• age
• weight
• waist measurements
• ethnicity
• gender
What the expert says
Diabetes UK prevention head Helen Dickens says that 11.9 million Britons face a raised risk of getting the illness.
But she says individuals who know they are in danger can reduce their chances of becoming a diabetic by altering their lifestyle.
Simply changing to healthier diets, keeping a normal weight and doing physical exercise can avoid future related complications, says Ms Dickens.
These include the massive "human price" of strokes, blindness and/or amputations, she adds.
Ms Dickens says research into gender use of the tool has proven "very interesting" with many more women using it than men.
What are you waiting for?
People wishing to check out their type-2 diabetes risks can visit Know Your Risk.
So what happens if someone scores highly on the questionnaire? They should consult their local doctor or nurse and get further testing arranged.