This Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week (22- 28 May), people in the Black Country are being urged to make simple lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week is organised every year by NHS England in partnership with Diabetes UK, the leading national charity for people living with diabetes, and aims to encourage the 13.6 million people in the UK at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes to take early steps to prevent the condition from developing.
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar in the blood to become too high. It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness, and can also increase your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves. It is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age, as well as a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and many common types of cancer.
Last year, more than 100,000 people were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the Black Country. Those who may be at an increased risk of developing the condition include people who:
• are aged 40 and over (or 25 for south Asian people)
• are overweight or obese
• have a family history of type 2 diabetes
• are of Asian, African-Caribbean, or black African origin.
However, research has consistently shown that lifestyle interventions including improved diet, increased physical activity and sustained weight loss, can be effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “There are several risk factors for type 2 diabetes, some of which can’t be changed such as your age or your family history. However, there are other factors which are very much in your control, such as losing weight, getting more physically active and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
"Knowing your level of risk early on is important to help motivate you to make some lifestyle changes that will have a positive benefit to your quality of life. Prevention is always better than cure and by simply taking steps towards a healthier life you can make a huge difference to your health.
“So, if you think you may be at risk, or are experiencing symptoms of type 2 diabetes, please speak to your GP or trusted health care professional for help and advice.”
The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) can help you make simple changes to your diet, your physical activity levels, and your weight management, with the aim of significantly reducing or removing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
You can be referred by a healthcare professional like your GP, or you can apply online. For more information about the NHS DPP, visit the Stop Diabetes website here.
For more information on type 2 diabetes, visit the Black Country ICB website here.
