Residents with a high risk of diabetes are being encouraged to find out about their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Each year 345 people in Richmond are told they have diabetes. There are already an estimated 11,825 people living with diabetes of whom 5,385 with Type 2 diabetes are known to their GP. Another 15,000 are on the verge of getting it.

Richmond Council and NHS Richmond Clinical Commissioning Group have launched a new online tool to help people find out if they are at risk. All residents need is an accurate measurement of their height, weight and waist size.

People at risk should visit their GP surgery for a blood test. Those who find out early if they are at risk can take life changing steps to help them prevent the disease.

In Richmond, people at high risk can be referred by their GP surgery to the Healthier You programme. The programme offers people advice on how to eat well, move more, and permanently change their lifestyles to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Almost 80 per cent of diabetes cases can be prevented and, with good management of the disease, those that do have it can lead normal lives.

Cllr Piers Allen, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “Early diagnosis and support can make a huge difference in helping people to prevent or manage diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is preventable. It is so important to raise awareness, not only of the warning signs, but also how you can reduce your risk of developing the condition.

“In my case, with two close relatives who have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, the Know Your Risk tool shows I have an increased risk and a 1 in 10 chance of developing the disease in the next 10 years. But, while I can't change my genes or age, I can help reduce the risk by a bit more weekly exercise and resisting the biscuit tin – two small changes in lifestyle, to help avoid a potentially massive one in 10 years' time, that I am happy to embrace.”

Houda Al-Sharifi, Director of Public Health for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, said: “Diabetes is a disease that, if managed poorly, can lead to extremely serious complications like kidney, eye and heart problems and amputations. However, diabetes is not an inevitable condition that comes with age, most cases can be either prevented or delayed. It is particularly linked to lifestyles and obesity.

“Tackling diabetes is a priority because of the sheer number of residents who are affected by it. Those numbers are on the rise. However, if people make changes to their lifestyles – they can do something about it!”

Dr Graham Lewis, Chair at Richmond CCG, added: “Unlike type 1 diabetes, which is not linked to lifestyle, type 2 diabetes can be managed and even prevented through adopting healthy lifestyles. Local GPs are seeing more and more people under 40, including children, developing type 2 diabetes. This is very concerning, because as well as the impact it has on everyday life, it can also have some very serious complications.

“This new online tool is a simple method for local people to find out if they are at risk of developing diabetes. People at high risk will be referred by their GP to the Healthier You Programme, which will give patients the confidence and support they need to help them manage their condition and live a healthier life.”

For more information, or to take the test, go to: https://nhsdpp.diabetes.org.uk/c/richmond