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Type 2 diabetes is caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the body not reacting to insulin. The condition can lead to a loss of feeling in the extremities,

including the hands or feet. When diabetes patients go for a long walk, it’s crucial that they check their feet afterwards, warned charity Diabetes UK. Seeing as diabetics could lose some

feeling in their feet, it may be more difficult to spot foot injuries. Untreated foot injuries could lead to ulcers or infections, added the NHS. Worst case scenario, these could cause

gangrene - where the body tissue dies, and has to be amputated. More than 135 amputations resulting from diabetes are carried out in the UK every week. “While walking is considered a safe

physical activity for people of all ages and fitness levels, it’s especially important for people with diabetes to take some precautions before they start pounding the pavements,” said

Diabetes UK. “Everyone with diabetes needs to check their feet daily for any changes. Doing this after a walk is really important, in case of potential damage like blisters and cuts. “Anyone

who has existing foot problems should speak to their diabetes team before taking up serious walking. “Make sure you wear socks that don’t rub and appropriate footwear that fits well.”

Despite the risks, physical activity is a great way for diabetes patients to lower their blood sugar. Fast walking, climbing stairs or doing strenuous housework could all count as

moderate-activity, provided it gets patients out of breath. Everyone should aim for at least 150 minutes of activity every week. Exercise also helps diabetics to lose weight. Losing

overweight makes it easier for the body to lower your blood sugar levels. Diabetes patients deciding to boost their exercise levels should consider having a banana or other piece of fruit

before and after their workout, said the charity. Be sure to stay safe when walking, and carry emergency hypoglycaemia treatments with you. Tell someone where you’re planning to exercise,

and always wear a diabetes ID tag. Diabetes symptoms include weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision. Speak to a GP if you’re worried about the signs or symptoms of diabetes. DIABETES: FOUR

COMMON SYMPTOMS Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. There are two main types - type 1, when the body’s immune system attacks and

destroys the insulin-producing cells, and type 2, when the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin. Type 2 is more common that type 1, with 90 per

cent of all diabetics in the UK having type 2. FREQUENT URINATING Going to the toilet a lot more than usual, especially at night, is a common sign of diabetes. Urinating frequently is also a

sign of other medical issues, such as prostate problems, so be sure to visit your GP to have diabetes confirmed. THIRST Excessive thirst, otherwise known as polydipsia, is a classic sign of

diabetes. It is linked to frequent urination. As excess glucose builds up in the blood, the kidneys are forced to work extra hard to filter and absorb the excess sugar, and if they can’t

keep up, the excess sugar is excreted into urine, taking along fluids from body tissue. This triggers more urination, which may leave diabetics dehydrated. BLURRED VISION High levels of

blood sugar can cause the lens inside the eye to swell, which can result in blurred eyesight. Very low blood sugar levels can also cause blurred vision. WEIGHT LOSS If you aren’t trying to

lose weight, and you notice a loss of muscle bulk or the numbers on the scales drop, this could be a sign of diabetes. This happens because insufficient insulin prevents the body from

getting glucose from the blood to the cells to use as energy. The body will then start burning fat and muscle for energy, causing weight loss.