This Diabetes Prevention Week (20- 26 May), people in the Black Country are being urged to make simple lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.
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 millions of 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 pass water more frequently, and tiredness, and the health complications can be serious and life changing. This may include loss of sight, loss of limbs, increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
There are more than 96,000 people in the Black Country currently living with type 2 diabetes. Those who may be at an increased risk of developing the condition include people who:
- are aged 40 and over, or over 25 if you’re from an Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean ethnic background
- are overweight or living with obesity, or are not very physically active
- have a close relative with diabetes (such as parent, brother or sister)
- are from an Asian, Black African or Black Caribbean ethnic background.
However, type 2 diabetes can in some cases be prevented by eating a healthy, balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping physically active.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Type 2 diabetes is a life-changing condition that often develops slowly, especially in the early stages when it can be very difficult to spot the symptoms.
“There are several risk factors for type 2 diabetes, some of which can’t be changed such as
your age, ethnic background 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.
“That’s why knowing if you’re at risk of type 2 diabetes is so important, so you can act now to prevent the condition from developing. By simply taking steps towards a healthier lifestyle, you can make a huge difference to your health.”
The first step to preventing type 2 diabetes is finding out what your risk is. The Know Your Risk tool from Diabetes UK can help you find out your risk. You enter information including your ethnicity, age, height, weight and waist measurement, and it will give you an assessment of your personal risk of developing type 2 diabetes and advice about next steps.
For those living with type 2 diabetes, the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme can also help you make simple changes to your diet, your physical activity levels, and your weight management. For more information about the programme, visit the Healthier You website.
It’s important to remember that the earlier you can get help in diagnosing and treating type 2 diabetes, the better you can improve your quality of life. So, if you are concerned, please seek help. For more information on type 2 diabetes click here.
