Information on diabetes prevention

The Know Your Risk tool can help you to understand your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a common, lifelong condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to pee a lot and tiredness. It can also increase your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves.

Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include high blood pressure, family history of the illness and excess weight as well as smoking, alcohol consumption and low physical activity.

You are more at risk if you are white and over the age of 40. If you are African-Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian the age of risk is over 25 and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is two to four times more likely.

The good news is the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be significantly reduced by making small lifestyle changes with support from your local Healthier You programme.

Find out your risk today by using the Know Your Risk tool.

For more information on type 2 diabetes, visit the NHS website.