How you can prevent Type 2 diabetes

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1 in 10 people over 40 in the UK are living with Type 2 Diabetes. 

Millions of Type 2 Diabetes cases could be prevented by helping people to reduce their risk.

If you’ve been told you’re prediabetic or have a family history, you still have the power to prevent diabetes and enjoy a healthier life.

Your risk of Type 2 Diabetes

You can find out your risk of Type 2 Diabetes by using the diabetes Know Your Risk Tool

If you score 16 or above, you may be eligible for the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

Before you use the tool to find out your risk, you need to know your:

  • waist size
  • height
  • weight 

Check your risk

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high.

Diabetes UK has a useful video that explains what Type 2 Diabetes is.

You can also check the NHS website for more information.

Risk factors

The signs aren’t always obvious with Type 2 Diabetes. It can take up to 10 years before you know you have it.

It’s important to be aware of the risks.

Age

Risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes increases if you are aged over 40 and of white ethnicity or aged over 25 and from a South Asian, Black African and Caribbean ethnicity.

Family History

Your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes increases by 2 to 6 times if a family member has diabetes such as a parent, sibling or child.

Ethnicity

People of South Asian, Black African & Caribbean descent are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes. 

More research is being done to understand why people from certain ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Excess weight around your middle

You are more at risk of Type 2 Diabetes if you are carrying extra weight, especially if this weight is around your middle.

Check your Body Mass Index using the NHS BMI Calculator.

High blood pressure

You are more at risk if you have ever had high blood pressure.

Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

If you’ve been told you are at risk of developing diabetes, you can make small changes to your lifestyle to prevent or slow the progression the condition. These changes don’t have to be big.

These lifestyle changes can reverse risks and improve health and quality of life:

  • move around more
  • make healthier food choices
  • maintain a healthy weight

Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

People in Barnet are already reversing their risk of diabetes, with the help of this free NHS Prevention Programme.

The programme is open to people who:

  • are aged 18 to 79 years
  • aren’t pregnant
  • don’t have diabetes
  • have a risk score of 16 or more

The programme is currently being delivered remotely online due to COVID-19, face-to-face delivery will resume when safe to do so.

Healthier You health coaches are skilled in tailoring the programme to the particular needs of people from diverse backgrounds – providing materials and hosting sessions in multiple languages. Practical suggestions for food, diet and physical activity can be incorporated into your family, social and cultural life.

If you have been told you are pre-diabetic, have a history of Gestational Diabetes or have scored 16 or more on the Know Your Risk Tool, you may be eligible for a place.

If you’ve previously been referred, but not yet signed up, contact the team via the Healthier You website now.

If you haven’t been referred, speak to your GP to find out more about your own diabetes risk, and whether Healthier You (NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme) is right for you.

Local services and support

Your Health Barnet

Tips on how to move more, eat well and look after your general health and wellbeing. Also information on NHS apps available.

Better leisure centres

Walking in Barnet

Health walks, Walking Groups, Better Walks, Heritage walks

Park runs

Barnet Community Diabetes Team 

For patients who have developed diabetes complications & group education. Available on referral from your GP.