Introduction
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week 2025 takes place from Monday 26 May to Sunday 1 June, serving as a national call to action to address the rising tide of type 2 diabetes across the UK. Organised jointly by NHS England and Diabetes UK, the week aims to empower individuals to assess their risk, adopt healthier lifestyles, and spread awareness within their communities.
With the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes reaching critical levels, this awareness campaign couldn’t be more timely or essential.
The Scale of the Problem
Recent analysis has revealed that 1 in 5 UK adults—equivalent to 12.2 million people—have diabetes or pre-diabetes. This staggering figure includes:
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4.6 million diagnosed with diabetes (mostly type 2)
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1.3 million undiagnosed cases
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6.3 million with pre-diabetes (clinically termed non-diabetic hyperglycaemia)
Experts attribute much of the increase to unhealthy diets, rising obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and aging populations. Alarmingly, the UK is witnessing this disease emerge earlier in life, even in children and teenagers.
What Is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to use it effectively. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 is often lifestyle-related and can be delayed or prevented.
Symptoms include:
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Frequent urination
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Excessive thirst
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Fatigue
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Blurred vision
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Slow wound healing
Unchecked, type 2 diabetes can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision loss.
The Goals of Prevention Week
Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week 2025 focuses on the following objectives:
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Educate the public about the risk factors and early signs
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Promote prevention tools like risk assessments and healthy lifestyle changes
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Encourage action via local events, social media campaigns, and GP support
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Support individuals at risk through NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme referrals
Know Your Risk
One of the simplest and most powerful actions is to take the “Know Your Risk” test provided by Diabetes UK:
The tool considers age, gender, ethnicity, family history, weight, and waist measurement. It offers an instant risk score and practical advice tailored to your profile.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
The good news is that type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Here’s how:
✅ Eat Healthier
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Cut down on processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats.
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Eat more vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
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Watch portion sizes and stay hydrated.
✅ Stay Active
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Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling).
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Include strength training at least twice a week.
✅ Maintain a Healthy Weight
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Even a modest weight loss of 5–10% can significantly reduce your diabetes risk.
✅ Quit Smoking
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Smoking increases insulin resistance and the risk of complications.
✅ Reduce Alcohol Consumption
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Limit intake to 14 units or fewer per week, spread over several days.
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP)
If you are at high risk, your GP can refer you to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, a free 9-month initiative offering:
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Support from health and nutrition coaches
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Group or online sessions
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Tailored plans for physical activity and healthy eating
The NDPP has helped hundreds of thousands of people lose weight, increase activity, and significantly lower their chances of developing diabetes.
Get Involved: Make Prevention Week Count
Everyone has a role to play in reducing the burden of diabetes across the UK. Here’s how you can support the campaign:
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Share your risk assessment results and lifestyle tips on social media
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Use the hashtags: #PreventType2, #DiabetesPreventionWeek
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Organise or attend local awareness events, health checks, or community walks
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Encourage others—friends, family, colleagues—to take the risk test
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Speak to your GP if you are worried about your risk level
A Message from Diabetes UK
“We now have the tools to prevent type 2 diabetes in millions of people. Prevention Week is about reaching those at risk and empowering them with knowledge, support, and achievable lifestyle changes. If we act now, we can avoid the severe consequences of diabetes later.”
– Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK
Final Thoughts
As the UK continues to grapple with the public health implications of type 2 diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week 2025 serves as a timely reminder: your lifestyle choices today can protect your health tomorrow. With simple, consistent changes, individuals can dramatically reduce their risk—and help turn the tide on one of the UK’s most pressing health challenges.