HEALTH MATTERS
KATIE Mills RGN, clinical lead for diabetes at NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG DIABETES Prevention Week runs from April 16 to 22 to raise awareness of the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP).
It’s estimated that more than five million people in England are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is linked to lifestyle and represents a real threat to health.
If untreated it can lead to stroke, blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and lower limb amputation. Yet people at risk of developing the condition can protect themselves by losing weight, eating healthily and being more active.
The NDPP provides free personalised help including dietary advice and bespoke physical exercise programmes.
The programme is showing real results and is available all over the country including here in Eastern Cheshire.
To join, you need your GP to check you are eligible to take part and then refer you.
Eastern Cheshire has been involved in the programme since it began in 2016.
We have had excellent uptake and received really positive feedback from patients.
Take a look at the case study about a Congleton pensioner who lost two stone in 10 weeks after starting the programme via www.easterncheshire ccg.nhs.uk/News/ Diabetes_prevention_ programme.htm.
If you are concerned that you might be at risk, you should:
Go to riskscore. diabetes.org.uk to get an estimate of your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Take up the offer of a free NHS Health Check which will assess your risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure.
Ask your GP or practice nurse for a blood test to check blood sugar levels.
If you are invited to attend an NDPP session, please take up the offer.
If you would like to find out more, visit www. england.nhs.uk/ndpp or ask a member of your GP practice team.
Alternatively, you can refer yourself directly by contacting ICS Health and Wellbeing on 0333 577 3010 or visiting www. preventing-diabetes. co.uk. You will need your NHS number, HbA1c result and date. Please note: To be eligible your HbA1c result must be between 42-47mmols and must have been taken within the last 12 months.