9 November 2020

The following information is from our partners at Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGS)

Thousands of residents are in danger of becoming diabetic, say health bosses at Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

It is estimated that there are currently over 16,000 residents in the county who are potentially at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes over the coming years.

With World Diabetes Day taking place on 14 November, health leaders at the county’s two CCGs are urging people to get active, eat healthier and ‘know your risk’ using a helpful online tool.

Residents are encouraged to visit the ‘Know Your Risk’ website from Diabetes UK to assess their risk of Type 2 diabetes, learn what changes they can make, and take action if necessary.

Patients can self-refer into the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) which is provided locally by Living Well Taking Control, and is part of a national programme commissioned by NHS England.

Since starting in April 2020, 600 local residents have joined the programme with many already seeing the health benefits of losing weight and improving their diet.

The ‘Know Your Risk’ online tool is a quick and easy survey which asks a set of simple questions, including information on weight and height, and calculates the risk of that individual becoming diabetic.

The tool also provides free, practical advice on healthy-eating recipes and exercise tips, as well as identifying the symptoms of diabetes.

Dr Julian Povey, Joint Chair of the CCGs, said: “Type 2 diabetes causes the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to become too high.

“There is no cure and it can lead to numerous complications – increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and some cancers, which is why it is so important for people at risk to act.

“You can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by eating well, moving more and losing weight, if you’re carrying extra weight.

“Everyone should take the ‘Know your Risk’ test – it only takes a couple of minutes, but it could make a big difference to your life.”

Click on the following links for more information on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) or the ‘Know Your Risk’ test.

Click here to find out more about World Diabetes Day.