Who's at risk? Dr Rob Hicks Diabetes may run in families, but others can't necessarily avoid the condition because it affects so many older people.

It's predicted that over the next ten years the number of people with diabetes will double.

There are two main aims concerning diabetes:

• to try to prevent people developing diabetes at all
• if someone does develop it, to help them avoid the possible complications

People with a family history of type 1 diabetes are at an increased risk of developing the condition.

Things that put a person at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes are:

• getting older.
• being of Asian or African-Caribbean origin .
• being a woman who has given birth to a large baby.
• being overweight. Waist circumference is particularly important here -; a waist size greater than 35 inches in women and 40 inches in men has recently been shown to significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
• being inactive.

Because of these last two factors it's important to:

• eat regularly during the day
• eat foods that are low in fat and salt
• eat lots of fruit, vegetables and pulses such as beans, lentils and peas
• cut down on sugar and have reduced sugar foods and drinks

Ideally, you should exercise for at least 30 minutes at least five times a week

A healthy diet needs to be combined with regular exercise to help the weight stay off ('exercise' refers to anything that gets the heart rate up). Ideally, you should exercise for at least 30 minutes at least five times a week. Walking, cycling, dancing and swimming are fun and easy for most people to do.

In the past, people with diabetes weren't encouraged to take part in sporting activities. Nowadays, diabetes should not hinder anyone's desire to keep fit.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Roger Henderson in January 2009.
First published in April 2001.