A record number of people in the UK are living with Type 2 diabetes. This figure has more than doubled since 1996. Sadly many people will experience potentially preventable complications because of diabetes, simply because they don’t know enough about their condition and how to manage it.

The good news is if you’re at risk of Type 2 diabetes there are lots of small changes you can make to prevent diabetes from developing in the first place. The first thing to do is find out if you are at risk.

Find out if you’re one of over 5 million people in the UK who are at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

If you are living with obesity and  also have diabetes or high blood pressure, or both, you could benefit from the 12-week NHS Digital Weight Management Programme. You can access the programme through referral from your GP practice. 

It can be hard to keep healthy and active, but the free NHS Digital Weight Management Programme can help you develop healthier eating habits, be more active and lose weight. The programme is available on your smartphone, tablet or computer.     

You can read more about the programme in our leaflet.

Speak to your  GP Practice today to find out how the programme could benefit you. If you do not have diabetes or high blood pressure, you may still benefit from the NHS Better Health programme.

Diabetes Peer Support Group. Open to anyone living in South Somerset. Meets on the first Saturday of month, 9.30am -11.00am at Preston Grove Medical Centre, 8 Preston Grove, Yeovil, BA20 2BQ

The NHS Somerset interactive diabetes website is there to help support people who have diabetes and their family and friends.
You’ll find leaflets, videos, educational tools and games containing information about diabetes. You may soon also be able to use this website to view your own up-to-date diabetes clinic results, to help you manage your condition more effectively.

This is a community of people with diabetes, family members, friends, supporters and carers, offering their own support and first hand knowledge.

Diabetes UK produced a book called ‘100 Things I wish I’d known about living with diabetes’. The book is full of tips written by people living with diabetes, for people living with diabetes. Covering everything from going on holiday to eating out, working out and managing diabetes with work, relationships and more, it’s packed full of useful tips and handy hints for every part of life with diabetes.

They are no longer sending out physical copies of the book; however, as a result of its popularity, a PDF is now available to download. Follow the link below to download the book.

Finding out you’ve got Type 2 diabetes can be an overwhelming experience.

This step-by-step online guide is designed to help you understand and start managing your condition. From diet to treatments and where to get support, you’ll find all the information you need right here.