People urged to take action over diabetes

PEOPLE in Derbyshire are being urged to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by making some simple changes to their lifestyle for Diabetes Prevention Week.

People living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with Covid-19, with over a quarter of deaths in the East Midlands associated with the condition, according to local NHS statistics. However, better management of the condition can help improve control and lead to better outcomes.

More than 4.8 million people in the UK have diabetes – equal to one in 14 people. Around 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes, which can be prevented or delayed through being more physically active, eating healthily and managing your weight. The health complications of getting Type 2 diabetes can be serious and life changing – this could be loss of sight, loss of limbs, increased risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Black and South Asian people have a higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes after the age of 25, compared with those from a white background, where risk increases after the age of 40.

Anyone at high risk of developing the condition may be eligible to join their local Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, a joint initiative from NHS England and NHS Improvement, Public Health England and Diabetes UK.

The programme supports people to make positive changes to their diet, weight and the amount of physical activity they do.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme is being delivered remotely via video conference, or online through apps and websites.