People at risk of type 2 diabetes encouraged to take action for World Diabetes Day

People across the North East and Yorkshire at risk of developing type 2 diabetes are encouraged to take steps to protect their health on World Diabetes Day (Saturday 14 November) with support from the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

The free programme supports people at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes to make healthy and lasting changes to their lifestyle.

Participants receive personalised support to eat more healthily, become more physically active and manage their weight.

Support is available through face-to-face or digital services, helping people choose an option that works for them.

People who think they may be at risk can use Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk tool as a first step.

Those identified as being at increased risk may be eligible for referral to the Healthier You programme through their GP practice. Women with a history of gestational diabetes may also self-refer.

Dr Yasmin Khan, Regional Medical Director (Interim) for NHS North East and Yorkshire, said: “World Diabetes Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness of type 2 diabetes and the steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing it.

“Type 2 diabetes is not inevitable for people at increased risk.

“The Healthier You programme gives people practical, personalised support to make healthier choices and reduce their chances of developing the condition.

“I would encourage people across the North East and Yorkshire to find out their risk and take up the support available to help protect their future health.”

In this region, Andy was referred by his GP to the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme after a blood test showed he was prediabetic.

“Knowing that type 2 diabetes can sometimes be reversed if you catch it early gave me a lot of motivation,” he said. “I thought: If I’ve been given this opportunity, I’m grabbing it with both hands.”

Taking part in the programme made a real difference, Andy explained. Getting into a routine, eating better and becoming more active gave him more energy, and made him feel more in control.

“The biggest result, and the thing I’m most proud of, is reversing my prediabetes,” he said. “My blood sugar levels came right down and that felt like a huge achievement. I also lost weight, got fitter and just feel healthier all round. My energy levels are better and I feel brighter mentally. It’s like everything clicked into place.”

Andy still gets regular support from his GP surgery and has regular blood tests. Seeing the improvement in his results has been a huge motivation and he’s determined to maintain the changes he’s made, Andy adds.

Approximately two million people in England are at elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes – a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke. For more information visit the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme webpage.