The NHS in Kirklees is supporting Diabetes Week 2021 which runs from 14-20 June.
It is estimated that around 4.9 million people in the UK are currently living with diabetes and almost 347,000 of those live in West Yorkshire and Harrogate.
In Kirklees, around 27,000 people are living with type 2 diabetes and a further 20,000 are thought to be at risk of developing the condition.
Dr Khalid Naeem, Clinical Chair for Kirklees CCG and local GP, said: “Diabetes is a potentially serious condition that can cause long-term health issues. Anyone can develop type 2 diabetes but there are certain factors that increase the risk.
“This includes being overweight, over 40 years of age and your family history. Younger people from a Black or Asian minority ethnic group also have a higher chance of developing the condition.”
GP practices have been inviting patients who have had blood tests in the last two years which show they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes to join the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. By joining the behavioural change programme, people receive support in a friendly and supportive environment to adjust their lifestyle.
The programme is designed to put health back in the hands of patients by supporting them to make small lifestyle changes, get more physically active and lose weight.
Diabetes Week is an annual campaign run by Diabetes UK to raise awareness of the condition and raise money to help fund research. The focus this year is on telling #DiabetesStories, celebrating the diabetes community and looking back on an extraordinary year.
People interested in knowing if they are at risk of developing the condition can use the Diabetes UK online risk tool. It takes just a few minutes. Search ‘Know Your Risk’ online.
Feature image credit: Mykenzie Johnson via Unsplash
