Things you can do
Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable and can lead to serious health complications if untreated.
- Use the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk tool here to understand your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in a few minutes.
- Learn more about Type 2 Diabetes and how to reduce your risk of developing it by visiting the Diabetes UK website here.
- If you are identified as being at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ask your GP about joining the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. It is a free programme designed to help you improve your health and lifestyle, and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Find out more information here. If you have ever had gestational diabetes during a pregnancy, you can participate in this programme.
- This booklet will help you to understand why you are at high risk of type 2 diabetes and what you can do to lower your risk and stay healthy. View the booklet here.
Living with Type 2 Diabetes
If you are living with type 2 diabetes, it is important to manage your condition.
- Healthy Living is free online structured education programme for people with type 2 diabetes and their carers or relatives. Sign up at: www.healthyliving.nhs.uk
- If you have been diagnosed in the last 6 years, you may still be eligible for the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission (T2DR) Programme to support diabetes remission. Speak to your diabetes healthcare professional for more information.
- People aged 18 to 39 years old living with early onset type 2 diabetes are at risk of complications sooner after diagnosis than those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when older; particularly for those from ethnic minority communities.
- In addition to their annual diabetes review, people with young onset type 2 diabetes are likely to benefit from additional tailored reviews from healthcare staff to support their diabetes management, such as blood sugar level control, weight management and cardiovascular risk minimisation.
- Access to contraception and folic acid supplements is also available for people living with diabetes who are considering pregnancy. Find out more from NHS England and Diabetes UK. You can also speak to your diabetes healthcare professional for more information during your next appointment.
Signposting
You can find more information to support you to reduce your risk factors of long-term conditions below.
| Smokefree | |
| Alcohol | Drink less for better health |
| Healthy weight | Lose weight for better health |
| Getting active | Get active for better health |
|
Weight management |
The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme |
| Making every contact count | Heart and circulatory disease prevention and NHS Health Checks |
Local Services
We have local services within West Yorkshire that can support you to live a healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk factors. This includes support with being active, losing weight, smoking, alcohol and mental health. To find out more information, visit the appropriate website for your local services.