Position statements

This position statement summarises current approaches to prevent Type 2 diabetes at a whole population level.

It covers prevention of Type 2 diabetes in the general population by reduction of obesity through promotion of healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight and promotion of physical activity. Also by raising awareness of risk factors, so that individuals can take action to modify them.

• The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is rising rapidly – much of this rise can be attributed to the increase in obesity
• The key to preventing Type 2 diabetes is to reduce the overall level of obesity in the population as a whole, in addition to raising awareness of, identifying and addressing, risk factors in individuals
• This position statement summarises strategies to tackle obesity and to identify and address modifiable risk factors for Type 2 diabetes in individuals
• We set out a number of calls to action.

Download the full position statement on preventing Type 2 diabetes (PDF, 223KB).