Diabetes UK urges folks to finish on-line survey for Sort 2 Diabetes Prevention Week

NEW ANALYSIS published today by Diabetes UK shows the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in Dorset has increased from 44,177 to 45,992 since last year.

In the southwest, Somerset was the highest prevalence area, where 7.4 percent of people were diagnosed with diabetes, followed by Devon (7.1 percent) and Cornwall (6.9 percent). The lowest in the southwest was Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire at 6.1 percent, below the national average of 7.1 percent.

The charity estimates that more than 13.6 million people in the UK are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes UK Regional Director for the South West, Phaedra Perry, said: “The number of people with diabetes is increasing every year. Looking ahead after Covid-19, prevention of type 2 diabetes must be a public health priority.

“The pandemic has shown with devastating clarity how diabetes increases the risk of worse outcomes when contracting the virus.

“We know, however, that with the right support, up to half of all type 2 diabetes cases – and the associated risk of developing life-threatening complications – can be delayed or prevented.

The charity’s numbers show that there are currently over 4.9 million people in the UK living with diabetes, 90 percent of whom are type 2.

However, research has consistently shown that for some people, combined lifestyle interventions – including diet, exercise, and sustained weight loss – can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 50 percent.

Diabetes UK has released this new analysis on the occasion of Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week, Monday 10 May to Sunday 16 May – a joint initiative of Diabetes UK, Public Health England and NHS England.

By understanding their own personal risk, people can access support to take action to reduce risk. Diabetes UK therefore encourages everyone to complete Diabetes UK’s free online Know Your Risk tool today.

After completion, the risk tool advises the individual about his risk and suggests the next steps. In England, those recommended to be at medium or high risk can enroll directly with the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Program (NHS DPP).

Phaedra Perry added, “This Diabetes Prevention Week aims to help people understand their personal risk for type 2 diabetes. The first step is to complete our free Know Your Risk tool today.

“If you give yourself just five minutes, you can access information and support that could improve your health.”