A FEW simple changes to lifestyle can prevent people in Ludlow and south Shropshire falling victim to type two diabetes.

People in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are being urged to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by making some simple changes to their lifestyle, says NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group.

Research has consistently shown that lifestyle interventions, including diet, physical activity and sustained weight loss, can be effective in reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes by about 50 per cent.

Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can have a devastating impact on people and their families. It is a leading cause of preventable sight loss and a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and many of the common types of cancer.

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.

Around one in eight people between 20 and 79 years old have their death attributed to diabetes and it is expected to rise. The life expectancy on average is reduced by up to 10 years for people with the condition.

Anyone at high risk of developing the condition may be eligible to join their local Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, a joint initiative from NHS England and NHS Improvement, Public Health England and Diabetes UK.

People should contact their GP practice or the Diabetes UK ‘Know Your Risk’ tool also enables people to register themselves onto a session. People enrolled in the programme get advice on healthy eating and exercise that can prevent them developing Type 2 diabetes.