Anyone concerned that they could be at risk of diabetes can now get tested for free at Cohens Pharmacy, Kent Avenue, Ross-on-Wye.

This is one of the Diabetes Prevention Week initiatives designed to encourage Herefordshire residents to eat healthily, and be more active, in order to help reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes.

GPs and other healthcare professionals in Herefordshire are using Diabetes Prevention Week to urge residents to find out if they are at risk and take action to improve their future health.

Dr Sarah Newey, GP and Clinical Lead at Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “It is now recognised that the onset of type 2 diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle through eating well and being more active.”

It is estimated that around five million people in England are currently at risk of developing type 2 diabetes; which can lead to other serious conditions including strokes, heart disease, limb amputation and early death.

Healthier You, the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a free local service for those who are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The programme is designed to stop or delay the onset of the disease through a range of personalised lifestyle interventions, including education on lifestyle choices, support for maintaining a healthy weight and weight loss where needed through healthier eating and bespoke physical activity programmes.

Across Herefordshire more than 10,000 people are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but nearly 2,000 people have already been referred onto the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, with nearly 70 per cent taking up the offer to take control of their health.

Dr Newey added:?“Many of my patients have already started and completed Healthier You, it is fantastic to see the positive effect and real benefits the programme is having on them and their family’s health. Healthier You is an invaluable resource in helping people to lead healthier lifestyles and reduce their risk in developing type 2 diabetes.

“We just need to educate people that type 2 diabetes is preventable, it isn’t inevitable, and make sure they are aware of the free help available. So, I encourage everyone to find out if they are at risk and to start to take steps to a healthier lifestyle - prevention is the cure.”

A test at a pharmacy will indicate if patients are at moderate to high risk and should contact their GP surgery to request a blood test to clinically assess if they are at increased risk and get the support they need to help prevent type 2 diabetes through referral to the Healthier You programme.