‘Know your risk’ of Type 2 diabetes

Every two minutes someone finds out that they have Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a very serious health condition that can cause long-term health problems.  It can lead to blindness, kidney failure, loss of a limb, and makes you at least twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke.

If you are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes it may have a huge impact on you and your family, as you may have to make lots of changes to the way you live your life.

Anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes, but certain factors can increase you risk including:

• Being overweight, especially around the middle
• Being over 40 (although those from ethnic groups outlined below are at risk at a younger age)
• Having a family history of diabetes
• Being of South Asian, African-Caribbean or Black African descent
• Being male
• If you’ve ever had high blood pressure or have ever had a heart attack or stroke
• If you’ve ever had schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or depression, or if you’re receiving treatment with anti-psychotic medication

You can find out if you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by:

• Answering a few simple questions on the ‘Know Your Risk’ tool at www.diabetes.org.uk/risk
• Taking up the offer of a free NHS Health Check to assess your risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other conditions such as high blood pressure (available for those aged 40-74)
• Asking your GP or Practice Nurse to check if you are at risk

What if I am at risk?

If you are found to be at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, your free, local NHS ‘Healthier You’ service can help.   With support to make small but positive changes to eat more healthily, be more active and manage your weight you can significantly reduce your risk of, or even stop you, developing Type 2 diabetes.

For support to get the help you need with making changes to your health, contact Live Well Greenwich on 0800 470 4831.