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By Georgia Mercer –

Diabetes is a chronic condition characterised by elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to severe health issues such as nerve damage, kidney disease, vision loss, and increased risk of heart disease or stroke.

There are two primary types of diabetes:

• Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells.
• Type 2 Diabetes: A condition where the body either does not produce enough insulin or the body’s cells do not react properly to insulin. This results in glucose remaining in the blood rather than being used for energy.

Symptoms of diabetes can include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss, and blurred vision. However, due to the general nature of these symptoms, many cases go undiagnosed.

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Alarming Statistics in the UK

Figures from Diabetes UK for 2022-2023 indicate that 4.4 million people in the UK live with diabetes, with 90% of these cases being Type 2.

Alarmingly, as many as 1.2 million people could be living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. By 2030, it is projected that the number of people living with diabetes in the UK will rise to 5.5 million.

In Kirklees, the diabetes prevalence is the second highest in Yorkshire, with 8.5% of the population diagnosed, second only to Bradford at 10.7%.

People of African-Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian descent are significantly more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, particularly in underfunded communities lacking adequate medical and educational support.

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Targeted Prevention Efforts

The NHS has launched the ‘Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme,’ aimed at identifying individuals at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and enrolling them in a nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme.

This initiative has reduced the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by more than a third for participants who complete the programme.

While some risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, such as ethnicity and medical history, cannot be changed, other factors like weight and lifestyle can be managed.

Preventative measures include maintaining a healthy weight and diet, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.

Addressing Health Inequalities in Marginalised Communities

More effective prevention methods include education and accessible medical support, especially in marginalised communities.

A report from March 2022, the “Birmingham and Lewisham African Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR),” highlights the health inequalities faced by Black African and Black Caribbean populations.

The report calls for the NHS and Wellness Board to recognise and address structural racism and discrimination as key drivers of health inequalities.

The report recommends several actions, including:

• Engaging with Black African and Black Caribbean communities to ensure their voices are heard.
• Providing cultural competence training for health and social care professionals.
• Supporting parents and children during educational transitions.
• Targeting illness testing and screening services for diseases that disproportionately affect these populations.
• Collaborating with faith settings to promote healthier behaviours.
• Ensuring culturally appropriate data collection and analysis for service planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

Read more: TSL Community Champions Helping to Raise Awareness of Diabetes in Kirklees

Although the NHS provides general advice for diabetes prevention, more focused efforts are needed to educate and support Black African and Black Caribbean populations.

Addressing these issues is essential to reduce diabetes diagnoses and improve health outcomes in these communities.

To assess your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, you can use the ‘Know Your Risk’ tool at riskscore.diabetes.org.uk or consult your healthcare provider.