November is National Diabetes Month in the West Midlands. NHS England and Diabetes UK are encouraging Midlands residents to take preventive measures against Type 2 Diabetes, like eating healthier and being more physically active and managing your weight.

In the Midlands, diabetes prevention is coordinated through the NHS Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. From July 2019 to September 2024, 92,055 participants have started the programme in the Midlands, with a mean weight change of -3.2kg in participants who have finished and engaged with at least 60% of the programme.

Hannah is a Healthier You programme participant from Shropshire. She said: “Following a routine eye test, I received concerning news about my blood glucose levels.  Although initially, the eye test results seemed to indicate a problem with my vision due to outdated glasses, further examination led to the discovery of prediabetes. This revelation came as a shock, but it prompted me to take immediate action to address my health concerns.

“Upon learning about the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, I wasted not time accepting the opportunity to participate. My coach Odell reached out to me promptly and provided essential information about the programme. Despite initial apprehension stemming from health anxiety, Odell’s reassuring guidance put my mind at ease.

“Implementing the strategies I learned through the sessions, I experienced significant improvements in my overall wellbeing.”

Professor Vinod Patel, Co-Clinical Director – Diabetes for the Midlands Cardiovascular Disease and Respiratory Network, added: “While age and ethnicity or medical history may be factors in some people’s risk for developing diabetes, the best thing you can do to lower your risk is to eat more healthily, lose weight if needed so you have a healthy weight and move more and exercise.”

“If you have symptoms of diabetes or suspect that you could have hypertension, then please get a blood pressure check and a blood test at your GP Practice.“

Learn more about diabetes detection and prevention on the Healthier You site. Diabetes UK also has helpful information and advice about preventing diabetes on their site.