Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week is a joint campaign from NHS England and Diabetes UK that took place 20-26 May 2024.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of the risk of type 2 diabetes and how to avoid it. It encourages the public to check their risk via the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. The good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk by making small lifestyle changes with support from your local Healthier You programme.
Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes, but certain factors can increase your risk – such as being over 40, carrying excess weight, high blood pressure.
You’re 2-6 times more likely to get type 2 diabetes if you have a parent, brother, sister or child with the condition.
Type 2 diabetes is two to four times more likely in people of South Asian descent and Black Caribbean or Black African descent.
If you have a history of Gestational Diabetes, which is high blood sugar during pregnancy, you may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. To reduce your risk join the free Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. www.england.nhs.uk/healthier-you/gdm-self-referral
If someone is at moderate to high risk, the tool will advise them to contact their GP practice for a blood test. If their blood sugar levels show they’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (called pre-diabetes or non- diabetic hyperglycaemia), then they may be eligible for referral to their local Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme – an evidence-based lifestyle change programme which helps people at risk of type 2 diabetes to reduce their risk through managing their weight, eating more healthily and being more physically active.
Research shows that the Healthier You programme has reduced new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes in England, saving thousands of people from it’s potentially serious consequences.
The Healthier You programme offers people at risk of type 2 diabetes a lifestyle change programme. Participants can choose between face-to-face groups and a digital service.
Check your risk of type 2 diabetes – it could be the most important thing you do today. riskscore.diabetes.org.uk
