People from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds are being urged to check if they are at risk of Type 2 diabetes via a free online tool owned by Diabetes UK.

The call out comes following research which shows Black and South Asian people have a higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes after the age of 25, compared with those from a White background where risk increases after the age of 40.

Recent findings have also shown that a third of people who died from Covid-19 in England had diabetes.

Across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire there are 55,210 people aged 15 and over diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

People can now find out if they are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by using the Diabetes UK risk tool. Anyone identified as at moderate to high risk of Type 2 diabetes, can sign up to the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme online themselves without needing to visit their GP.

The programme provides personalised support to help people achieve a healthy weight, improve their diet and become more physically active, all together which have been shown to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Over half a million people have been referred into the programme, and those completing the programme who were overweight or obese lost on average 3.6kg.

The programme is being delivered remotely via group video conference, or online through apps and websites. Anyone who is unable to use the Diabetes UK risk tool to sign up, can still be referred by their GP practice.

Dr Sandra Isibor, a GP at Bilborough Medical Centre, said: “I see many people in my day to day role whose lives have been severely impacted by Type 2 diabetes. What’s important to remember is that whilst it is more prevalent in black and South Asian communities, it is not definite you will develop the disease. If you are at risk, the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme can support you to make lifestyle changes such as increasing the amount of physical activity you do or adjusting your diet to reduce your risk of developing this very serious health condition. The first thing you need to do is find out your risk score. Do it for yourself and also, do it for the people who care about you.”

Professor Azhar Farooqi, Clinical Director – Midlands Cardiovascular Disease & Respiratory Clinical Network (NHS England and NHS Improvement) and GP – East Leicester Medical Practice says: “There are several risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, some of which, such as your age or your family history that can’t be changed, however, it’s really important for the community to take heed that there are other risk factors such as your weight which are very much in your control – indeed, the risk of Type 2 diabetes can be reduced by getting support to lose weight, getting more physically active and eating healthy food. I urge everyone from the community to take a pragmatic and practical approach to this very serious health condition to reduce your risk.”