This week is Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week (until 31 May) and NHS health managers are encouraging people in the North East and Yorkshire to check their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by using the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool.
Dr Waqas Tahir, Diabetes Clinical Lead for the NHS in the North East and Yorkshire (pictured), said: “People living with diabetes face a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, foot problems, vision loss and kidney problems. The good news is you can reduce your risk by eating a healthy, balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping physically active.”
Dr Tahir added: “I would encourage people to find out their risk of type 2 diabetes by using the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool. It only takes a few minutes and if someone is at moderate to high risk, the tool will advise them to contact their GP practice.”
The NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme is an evidence-based lifestyle change programme. It helps people aged 18 and over to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by managing their weight, eating more healthily and being more physically active. Research shows the programme has prevented thousands of new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes in England, saving people from potentially serious ill health.
Speak to your GP practice about support for type 2 diabetes, and to discuss your eligibility for referral to the programme. Women with a history of gestational diabetes can be referred to the programme, or they can self-refer.
Dr Tahir explained some groups are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes, including people of South Asian or Black ethnicity, people who are overweight, people with a family history of type 2 diabetes and women with a history of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Many people who have type 2 diabetes are unaware of this, as they have little or no symptoms.
The number of people developing type 2 diabetes under the age of 40 is increasing year-on-year in England. Developing type 2 diabetes under 40 carries higher risks of complication and premature death compared to developing it when older. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a younger age is greater in people from ethnic minority backgrounds and people living in more deprived areas. If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes, it’s important to use the Diabetes UK Know your Risk tool.