NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
Type 2 diabetes represents 90% of all diabetes in patients and it’s largely caused by lifestyle factors.
The programme helps people identified as prediabetic to reduce their weight, increase their physical activity levels and improve their diet. The programme consists of 1-to-1 and group sessions to empower people to take charge of their health and reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.
The risk factors that are associated with developing type 2 diabetes include: being an individual with a higher weight; being inactive; being from Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian background; having family members with a history of diabetes; having high levels of stress; and having a lack of quality sleep. Developing type 2 diabetes often brings additional health complications, including: increased risk of cardiovascular disease; increased risk of kidney disease; eye problems and blindness; circulation problems; slow wound healing; and amputations. The good news is that your risk of type 2 diabetes can be managed by reducing your weight, increasing your physical activity, improving your diet and managing your stress and sleep.
You can complete the know your risk questionnaire to assess your personal risk of type 2 diabetes. If you believe you are at risk of type 2 diabetes please contact your GP to arrange a blood test. If your blood test identifies you as pre-diabetic your GP can refer you onto the programme.
