In partnership with Tesco, we surveyed 2,000 people to get an insight into people’s understanding and awareness of type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes affects millions of people across the UK, but over four in 10 people in the UK have never thought about their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while over six in 10 have not checked their risk.
Of those who have not checked their risk, almost a quarter (24%) do not know how to check, and over a quarter (27%) do not believe they are at risk.
There are many factors that influence a person's likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, but our research shows that one in five people said they do not know enough about type 2 diabetes risk to identify risk factors involved. Age, ethnicity, family history, weight and other health factors can all affect risk, but only 28% of people identified this broader combination of factors.
Know your risk of type 2 diabetes
We’ve teamed up with Tesco to raise awareness of how simple it is to know your risk of type 2 diabetes through our free Know Your Risk tool. The simple online assessment takes just a few minutes to complete and can help identify whether you may be at increased risk of developing the condition, as well as signposting you to further support where appropriate.
Being aware of your risk is important because undiagnosed or unmanaged type 2 diabetes can lead to life-changing complications, including heart disease, stroke and sight loss.
However, with the right support, many cases can be prevented or delayed, making early awareness and action particularly important. If you have concerns or questions about diabetes, you can also speak to trained pharmacists in store at more than 350 Tesco pharmacies across the country to access advice and support.
Douglas Twenefour, Head of Clinical at Diabetes UK, said:
"Around 6.9 million people in the UK are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but taking small steps can make a big difference.
"Diabetes UK's free online Know Your Risk tool can help you understand your risk in just a few minutes, and offers advice on how to reduce it if needed. Through our partnership with Tesco, we're making it easier for people to access vital information and support in their local communities."
Find out more and access our Know Your Risk tool.
