This week (10th-16th May) is Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week. Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness. It can also increase your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves. Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition that can affect your everyday life. You may need to change your diet, take medicines, and have regular check-ups. It’s caused by problems with a chemical in the body (hormone) called insulin. It’s often linked to being overweight or inactive or having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Some facts about Type 2 Diabetes
- Anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes, but certain factors can increase your risk. The older you are, the more at risk you are of developing the condition.
- People from Black Caribbean, Black African and South Asian backgrounds are more at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
- 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. Find out your risk today by visiting riskscore.diabetes.org.uk – you may be eligible to join your free local Healthier You programme. If your score comes back as ‘at risk’, sign up to your free local Healthier You programme via self-referral. If you think you or a family member may be at risk, ask at your GP practice about your free local Healthier You programme.
