Published on: 22 May 2023
“Around 200,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every year- make sure you’re not one of them” - that’s the message from NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire ahead of Diabetes Prevention Week.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. That’s why health bosses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have teamed up with a national charity in urging everyone to find out if they are at risk during Diabetes Prevention Week (22-28 May). It only takes a couple of minutes, and it could be the most important thing you do today!
Search ‘Know Your Risk’ and take the free ‘risk score test’ on the Diabetes UK website.
Diabetes UK – Know Your Risk of Type 2 diabetes
In all, around 200,000 people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every year, meaning they are at higher risk of heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, foot problems, vision loss and kidney problems. Some groups at higher risk of type 2 diabetes than others. Men, people of South Asian or Black ethnicity, people who are overweight, and those with a family history of type 2 diabetes are more susceptible. Potential symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger, and notable weight changes. If you are experiencing any of these, then you should contact your GP.
The good news is that you can prevent type 2 diabetes by eating a healthy, balanced diet, by maintaining a healthy weight, and by keeping physically active. In fact, since the NHS launched its Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, new diagnoses have reduced in England. In the last year, health professionals in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have referred 7000, people across the two counties, onto this ‘lifestyle change’ programme. This could save thousands of people from the potentially serious consequences of type 2 diabetes.
Dr Will Taylor, Medical Director for NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire says:
“While the NHS Healthier You Prevention Programme has reduced new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes in England, saving thousands of people from its potentially serious consequences, there is always more we can do. That’s why we recommend everyone take simple steps to avoid a diagnosis. You can do this by eating a balanced diet and taking regular exercise.
“I also advise everyone to find a few minutes this week to take the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk Score test, while familiarising themselves of the potential symptoms. If you are experiencing frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger, or notable weight changes, you should contact your GP as it could be a sign of diabetes.”
