Trafford residents are being reminded that support is available for people at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes during Diabetes Prevention Week.
Type 2 diabetes can be a very serious condition, but the good news is that you can significantly reduce your risk by making small changes to your lifestyle with support from your local Healthier You programme.
Trafford residents can find out their diabetes risk by visiting riskscore.diabetes.org.uk. The website will ask you a few questions about you and your lifestyle. If the results show that you are at high risk of diabetes it will invite you to join the Healthier You programme.
People in Trafford who already know they are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can access the Healthier You programme by asking their GP to refer them.
The Healthier You programme has supported more than 250 Trafford residents to lower their risk of developing diabetes, as well as helping them to eat a balanced diet and become more active. There are group sessions or a digital one-to-one service, and you can choose the best option for you. Both options start with an individual review with a Health Coach to understand your individual needs, motivations and goals. At the moment the group sessions are available either as telephone groups where you dial into the session, or Microsoft Teams virtual groups. At the sessions you will be supported with nutrition, physical activity and holistic wellbeing strategies by an experienced and qualified health coach, as well as peer support from others within the group.
One participant said:
“I wasn’t sure about group sessions before I attended but I really enjoyed them. I learnt how some foods were contributing to my diabetes. It has helped to reduce my fat intake and I now exercise more.”
Another participant added: “I found the sessions useful as I got to hear other people’s questions and experiences. It was great that the sessions could be provided in languages other than English.”
There are many benefits of the Healthier You programme, as well as reducing the risk of developing diabetes. People report weight loss, feeling fitter and better wellbeing, as well as the benefit of reducing their risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid-19.
Councillor Jane Slater, executive member for health, wellbeing and equalities at Trafford Council, said:
“We know that Covid-19 has made many people keen to make positive changes to their lifestyle. We are very fortunate to have such an excellent service in our borough and I really encourage residents to use the online tool to find out their personal risk. Prevention is so much better than cure and knowing your risk early could make a big difference to your life.”
If you have diabetes you are at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19, so taking steps to prevent diabetes has even greater benefits as we learn to live with Covid-19.
Approximately 1 in 10 adults in Trafford are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The support available through the Healthier You programme helps to reduce a person’s risk and helps improve their health and wellbeing.
To find out your personal risk visit riskscore.diabetes.org.uk or search for ‘Know your risk’. You can also speak to your GP practice about the Healthier You programme.
Posted on Thursday 13th May 2021