Keeping Healthy

Can Type 2 diabetes be prevented?

Over a quarter of people living in Greater Manchester will develop diabetes in their lifetime. There are now approximately 160,000 people in Greater Manchester thought to be at risk.

The good news is that if people maintain a healthy weight and are more active, the risk of developing diabetes is significantly reduced. So, for further advice on leading a healthy lifestyle please find useful information at the NHS Live Well website.  

Who's at risk?

Generally, Type 2 diabetes occurs in people over the age of 40. It often develops slowly so people may not notice any symptoms, or there may be no symptoms at all. It is really important to know your risk, so you can take action to prevent it from developing. Below are established risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes:

• Being over 40 and white, or over 25 and African-Caribbean, Black-African, Chinese or South Asian
• Family history of diabetes
• Being overweight
• History of a heart attack or stroke
• History of schizophrenia, bipolar illness or depression, or if you are receiving treatment with anti-psychotic medication
• Those who had polycystic ovaries, gestational diabetes, or a baby weighing over 10 pounds

Am I at risk?

Find out what your own risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is by using the Diabetes UK 'Know Your Risk' tool below. 

Knowing you’re at risk is the first step towards preventing Type 2 diabetes.

I'm at an INCREASED or LOW risk, what can I do?

If you’re risk of developing Type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years is low or increased, there are still things that you can do to keep your risk as low as possible.

Visit the NHS Live Well website for information and tips on keeping your risk low and visit the Get Local section of this site for information on groups, activities and free sessions in your local area, these can help you to move more and eat better to keep to a healthy weight.

I’m at HIGH or MODERATE risk, what can I do?

If you're at moderate or high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, please contact your practice nurse or GP to arrange the necessary blood tests. If required, they will be able to refer you to your local Healthier You Programme.

My GP has told me I am at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

If your GP or practice nurse has told you that you are at risk of developing diabetes we would encourage you to join the Healthier You programme. To be eligible for this programme your HbA1c must be between 42-47 mmol/mol or Fasting Plasma Glucose between 5.5-6.9 mmols/l and dated within the last 12 months.

If you would like to join either talk to your GP or practice nurse or alternatively you can refer yourself online. Please have your NHS number, latest HbA1c or FPG reading, including the date and your GP surgery name so you complete the referral form.