Know your risk this World Diabetes Day

Type 1 diabetes has no cure but you can walk away from Type 2.

Did you know that even if you’re at high risk of Type 2 diabetes there are measures you can take to prevent it?

Over five million people in England are estimated to be at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, affecting more than 15,000 adults across Greenwich.

Take the short online quiz to know your risk

It represents a real threat to our health and, left untreated, can lead to serious conditions, such as stroke, blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, and in some cases, lower limb amputation.

This World Diabetes Day, Wednesday 14 November, we’re encouraging residents to understand their risk of Type 2 diabetes, know the steps they can take to prevent it and where to find support should they need it.

Know your risk

While anyone can get it, some factors put certain people at higher risk than others, such as if you’re:

• over 40,
• overweight,
• of South Asian, African-Caribbean or Black African descent

Type 2 diabetes is also more likely if you’ve a family member with diabetes or if you’ve ever had high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Pharmacies: Find your nearest drop-in for a FREE blood pressure check 

Move more, eat well

The good news is that even if your risk is high, healthy lifestyle choices such as eating well and moving more, as well as maintaining a healthy weight, can go a long way in helping to prevent it and other long-term conditions.

You don’t have to do all this at once or even by yourself. There’s lots of free, local support available around eating a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle.

Why not call the Live Well Greenwich line free on 0800 470 4831 to speak to a friendly Live Well advisor about joining a community cookery club, trying out a new activity through Greenwich Get Active and much more?

Take the online quiz

If you’re interested in finding out more about your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, take the online quiz at Diabetes UK – it’s free and only takes 3 minutes!