Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

12.3 million people in the UK are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes - and type 2 diabetes is serious. In Kingston, more than 14,000 people are estimated to already have, or are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Roughly three in five cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and being active - and support is available to help you.

The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme identifies those at high risk and refers them onto a behaviour change programme. There are three main ways to be referred onto the programme:

• GP referral for those identified as high risk by their practice surgery

• Ask at your General Practice about an NHS Health Check (everyone between 40 and 74 years old is eligible)

• By completing the Diabetes UK ‘Know your Risk’ tool, where, if eligible, you will be put in touch with a local diabetes prevention programme provider.

To find out your risk of type 2 diabetes you’ll need a few spare minutes, scales and a tape measure. Visit the Diabetes UK Know your Risk tool when you’re ready, and start your journey there.

If you already have a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, as a Kingston resident, you also have free access to the Diabetes Book and Learn website, where it is possible to search for local diabetes education programmes that are delivered online, remotely.