Middle-aged men in England are to be encouraged to take a short online quiz to test their susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. This is part of an NHS campaign partly aimed at preventing further deaths from Covid.
The “Know your Risk” quiz developed by Diabetes UK asks seven questions about weight, height and waist size to determine a body mass index or BMI. Users are also asked if any of their relatives had diabetes. The results are provided with four bands from low to high risk.
Those with moderate or high scores are encouraged to contact their local health services for assistance in making lifestyle changes and losing weight.
The NHS says it accelerated the campaign after research showed people were twice as likely to die from Covid-19 if they had type 2 diabetes.
It comes after a campaign last August aimed at black and South Asian communities who are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes from the age of 25.
The Facebook ads launched on Monday are aimed at millions of white men over 40 and highlight the increased risk of developing diabetes in this group.
Quiz takers are also encouraged to sign up for support for the NHS Healthier You diabetes prevention program.
Prof. Jonathan Valabhji, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, said: “The evidence is clear. Obesity and type 2 diabetes significantly increase the risk many of us are exposed to from Covid.
“And we already knew that, especially in men over 40, the risk of type 2 diabetes increases steadily with age. So it is important that the people in this group review their risk and get the right support.
“When we begin to see signs of a normal life, there has never been a better time to lead a healthier lifestyle and we want to help more people do it.”
John Harrison, 53, of Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, lost 55 pounds through the Healthier You program. His dietary changes included reducing fat intake, reducing meals based on red meat, and increasing the amount of chicken and legumes. He now also does a power walk five times a week.
“I was determined that lockdown wasn’t going to stop me from getting healthier,” he said. “I received great support through video sessions and was able to lose from 127 kg in 2019 to 72 kg in just 14 months.”
“The quality of my life has really improved and now I can do so much more without feeling exhausted. I can buy and wear fashionable clothes, including skinny jeans. “