Black and South Asian people in the East Midlands are being encouraged to make lifestyle changes this New Year to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

The call from NHS England in the Midlands comes as Black and South Asian people are two to four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than White people.

The health complications of getting Type 2 diabetes can be serious and life changing – this could be loss of sight, loss of limbs, increased risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. However, three in five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

Over 83,000 people in the Midlands have already been spared Type 2 diabetes thanks to the world leading Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. 

Across the Midlands over 235,000 people have been referred into the Programme, and those completing the Programme who were overweight or obese lost on average 4.6kg, greater than originally predicted.

The Programme, delivered via face-to-face group sessions or online through a digital app and website, provides personalised support to help people achieve a healthy weight, improve their diet and become more physically active, which have all been shown to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Anyone who thinks that they are at risk of Type 2 Diabetes or would like more information should contact their GP Practice. People who are eligible will be referred on to the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk tool is also available for people to find out more about their risk of Type 2 diabetes at www.diabetes.org.uk/knowyourrisk.

Professor Azhar Farooqi, Co-Clinical Director for the Midlands Cardiovascular Disease and Respiratory Network and GP at East Leicester Medical Practice, said:

“Black and South Asian people have a higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes after the age of 25, compared with those from a White background where risk increases after the age of 40.

“The good news is that the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme continues to go from strength to strength in the East Midlands with thousands of Black and South Asian people reducing their risk of Type 2 diabetes by making small lifestyle changes.

“The Programme lasts between nine and 12 months and is designed to stop or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes through advice and support on healthier eating, weight management and physical exercise.

“The signs that you have Type 2 diabetes may not be obvious, or there may be no signs at all. That’s why it’s important to start this New Year right by losing weight, exercising more and eating more healthily. Reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes if you are from a Black and South Asian background is vital to your health.”