Untreated type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including loss of eyesight, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney and foot problems. Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week begins on Monday 20 May and people in the North East and Yorkshire are being encouraged to check their risk using the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool.

People who are at increased risk of diabetes type 2 can take steps to prevent the condition through a range of lifestyle changes, explained NHS North East and Yorkshire Regional Medical Director Dr Hamish McLure.

“Type 2 diabetes is one of the biggest healthcare challenges of our time, but the good news is you can prevent it by eating a healthy, balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping physically active,” said Dr McLure.

He explained that certain factors increase a person’s risk including age, excess weight, high blood pressure, people with a family history of type 2 diabetes, and ethnicity. Many people who have type 2 diabetes are unaware of this, as they have little or no symptoms.

Dr McLure added: “I would encourage people to find out their risk of type 2 diabetes by using the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool. It only takes a few minutes and if someone is at moderate to high risk, the tool will advise them to contact their GP practice for a blood test.”

If blood sugar levels show someone is at risk of developing type 2, they may be eligible for referral to a local Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. This evidence-based lifestyle change programme helps people at risk of type 2 diabetes to reduce their risk through healthy lifestyle changes including eating more healthily and being more physically active.

Research shows the programme has reduced new diagnoses of type 2 diabetes in England, saving thousands of people from the potentially serious consequences of the condition. For people completing the programme, it cuts the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 37%. Contact your GP practice for further information.

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week is a joint campaign from NHS England and Diabetes UK that takes place between 20 and 26 May.