‘This means that potentially millions of people are missing out on advice that could make a big difference. Our pharmacists are professionally trained and can provide a wealth of healthcare advice and services, alongside prescription medicines and ”over-the-counter” pharmacy medicines.

‘You can book ahead or simply walk in to see our pharmacist in store and we have private consultation rooms for complete discretion.’

Alongside not knowing where to get health advice, there are several other misconceptions about type 2 diabetes that Tesco and Diabetes UK are keen to clear up.

MYTH 1 – You have to be over 40 to get type 2 diabetes

Many individuals think type 2 diabetes mainly affects older people. But given that more and more young people are currently developing it, this is untrue.

According to Diabetes UK’s data analysis, there has been a 23% increase in the number of those under 40 living with the condition, compared to a 17% increase in people of all ages.

Despite this, according to a survey conducted by Tesco and Diabetes UK, 52% of adults under the age of 40 believe they have a low or nonexistent chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes.

Plus, almost two-thirds (65%) either didn’t know or weren’t sure what all the symptoms were, raising fears cases could go undiagnosed.

In addition, people from certain ethnic groups such as South Asian, African Caribbean and Black African are at an increased risk from an even younger age of 25 years.

‘Our analysis shows cases of type 2 diabetes – historically associated with older people – are now rising at a quicker rate among the under 40s than in those over 40,’ says Douglas Twenefour, Head of Care at Diabetes UK.

‘As a result, we predict the number of people in the UK aged between 18 and 39 living with a diagnosis of the condition could hit 200,000 by 2027.’

MYTH 2 – Type 2 diabetes is less serious than type 1

The main distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is that type 1 is an autoimmune disorder that affects younger people more frequently, whereas type 2 involves a wide range of complex risk factors, including genetics and environmental variables among others. It can grow over time and was once thought to only affect the elderly.

Although some people believe type 2 diabetes to be less hazardous, it is a severe condition that may affect anyone at any age, so it’s crucial to know whether you’re at risk and to get care if you are.

Eat More Healthily, Be More Active

The steps to prevent or delay health conditions like type 2 diabetes include being supported to: eat more healthily, be more active and get the right health advice at the right time. But for people pressed for time and money, eating healthily can feel out of reach.

In fact, research commissioned by Tesco and Diabetes UK found that over half of respondents are deprioritising their health due to cost of living concerns.

One pan ratatouille eggs

That’s why Tesco has created a brand new hub on its Real Food website with a host of healthy, affordable meal options for the family. ‘At Tesco, we passionately believe that healthier food should be more accessible to everyone, no matter your budget,’ says Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health & Sustainable Diets Campaigns at Tesco. ‘But we know that our customers can sometimes struggle with having the inspiration and confidence to create affordable, tasty meals.’

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Roasted spiced broccoli soup

From a delicious one pan eggs to hearty warming soups, there are loads of tasty recipe options for everyone, including those either living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes. The new online recipes are on top of Tesco’s existing commitments to make healthy food more accessible for its customers. Last year, the supermarket committed to increase sales of healthy food to 65% by 2025 and make products healthier through reformulation.

It happens when your body can’t make enough insulin or the insulin isn’t able to work properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose (or sugar) move from your blood into your cells where it can be used for energy. Not being able to produce enough insulin, or the hormone not working properly, causes your blood sugar levels to keep rising.

‘Having type 2 diabetes without treatment means that high sugar levels in your blood can seriously damage parts of your body, including your eyes, heart and feet,’ says Douglas.

‘These health issues are called the complications of diabetes. But with the right treatment, support and care, you can live well with type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk of developing them.’

MYTH 3 – You can only speak to a doctor or GP to get help and advice

The role of community pharmacists is sometimes misunderstood, with many people not realising that as well as dispensing medicines they also offer free health advice and free health information as well as signposting to support for a range of conditions, including diabetes.

With over 370 pharmacies across the UK serving over half a million customers each week, Tesco wants to use its place at the heart of the community, to encourage people who may be concerned to pop in for a chat during their weekly shop.

MYTH 4 – Type 2 diabetes isn’t preventable

When polled, almost 40% of respondents under 40 said they thought type 2 diabetes could not be prevented.

But fortunately, this isn’t true, with Diabetes UK estimating half of cases can be prevented or delayed by getting support to make changes to your diet, increasing physical activity and losing weight, where appropriate.

Customers who wish to live healthier lives can get a lot of support from Tesco, including access to an online recipe hub with hundreds of healthy, budget-friendly family recipes.

While this is going on, their in-store pharmacists can offer free, useful guidance on matters like managing your weight, getting enough exercise, and reducing your alcohol use.

According to Jonathan Bridgett, Tesco’s Pharmacy Services Manager, “Small lifestyle adjustments you make today can have a substantial influence on your risk of acquiring a number of long-term health concerns, including type 2 diabetes.”

Your chances of living a healthy life will increase the more steps you take right away to ask for assistance.

MYTH 5 – There’s no way to know if you’re at risk of getting type 2 diabetes

A worrying 68% of people surveyed didn’t know how to check if they were at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Though it may seem like this information is out of reach, it’s not.

The Know Your Risk online assessment tool is simple to use, takes little time to complete, and may be used to start a dialogue with your neighborhood doctor or pharmacist.

If your risk score is high, it doesn’t always mean you have diabetes, but it’s still vital to follow the advice and visit your doctor to discuss your risk and ways to lower it. Because type 2 diabetes can go undetected for years, your doctor should recommend a blood test, according to Douglas from Diabetes UK.