HEALTH & WELLBEING: Type 2 Diabetes - Do you know the risks?

It’s one of the fastest growing health conditions, but you may not be surprised that many of us are unaware of the causes of type 2 diabetes or our risk of developing it.

Diabetes and its complications cost the NHS over £8 billion every year to treat, that equates to around 10% of the total NHS budget.

Type 2 diabetes is linked to lifestyle. It presents a real threat to health - if untreated it can lead to stroke, blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and lower limb amputation.

In Rotherham, we have been urging people to eat healthily and be more active in order to help reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes during diabetes prevention week (16-22 April 2018). While Type 1 diabetes is not preventable it only accounts for around 10% of all cases. Nine out of 10 people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes which is closely linked to obesity and yet is largely preventable by making simple lifestyle changes around diet, activity levels and weight management, you can talk to your practice nurse about making positive changes to your lifestyle.

Even if you are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, it can still be prevented through losing weight, eating healthily and being more active. You can start your journey to a “Healthier You” through the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which is a free, personalised programme to help you with your weight, healthy eating and exercise – reducing your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

So, check if you may be at high risk of Type 2 diabetes at www.diabetes.org.uk/risk and then speak to your GP practice team to check if you’re eligible for the programme. Alternatively, you can go to https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start to get an estimate of your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Remember even small changes can make a difference, join up with a buddy to encourage each other and lets all aim towards healthier lifestyle and reducing our risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.