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Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week 2026

Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week is taking place between Monday 25 and Sunday 31 May this year. We're joining NHS England as proud campaign partners for this annual awareness week.

Type 2 diabetes is nobody's fault. But it’s a serious condition that can impact your health significantly if it’s left untreated.      

Millions of people in the UK don't know they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but we’re here to help.

An estimated 6.9 million people (1 in 8) live with prediabetes, but many are not aware of this. If left untreated, prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, which can lead to serious health complications. 
You are also at an increased risk of developing type 2 if you have had gestational diabetes — which affects up to 2 in 10 pregnancies.

There’s a range of risk factors at play, including family history and ethnic background but finding out your risk of developing type 2 diabetes means you can take action to protect your health. 

type 2 risk tool

Find out your risk of type 2 diabetes

The first step is finding out if you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It only takes a few minutes.
Smiling older man seated talking to a younger man, also seated

Prediabetes - what it means

Prediabetes is when your blood sugars are higher than usual. It means you have a high risk of type 2 diabetes, but there's still time to prevent it developing.
Mum cuddling new baby

Preventing type 2 after gestational diabetes

If you've had gestational diabetes, you have an increased risk of developing type 2, but you might be able to prevent or reduce that risk.
type 2 diabetes drivers

Type 2 diabetes drivers

Type 2 diabetes is complex - your individual risk depends on a mix of factors, including age, family history and ethnic background.
Selection of Diabetes UK leaflets on a table

Use our resources

Guides on preventing type 2 diabetes and keeping healthy if you already live with it. Help us get the message out.
Woman diabetes researcher looking down a microscope at King's College

Make a donation

We fund pioneering research to help prevent type 2 diabetes and support people living with it. But we can only do this with your help.

To support people with a high risk of type 2 diabetes, the NHS has set up type 2 prevention programmes in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. If you have prediabetes or have had gestational diabetes find out about getting a referral to an NHS type 2 prevention course where you live in the UK. 

Gina's story

Gina's story - developing type 2 after gestational diabetes

"Living with diabetes helps me as a nurse, as I can empathise with others living with the condition. Sharing my experience with other people has been really helpful."
Waseem's story

Waseem's story - diagnosed with type 2 aged 24

"Taking up walking has helped me with weight loss and my mental wellbeing."
Tray of roasted vegetables

Healthy eating tips to lower type 2 risk

Small changes can go a surprisingly long way. Read the information on the page or download our guide.
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