Diabetes Prevention Week

Since it is Diabetes Prevention Week, it’s important to raise awareness about Type 2 Diabetes, and discuss how we can all take simple, realistic steps to prevent or manage the condition. Our Naheen, Wellbeing Coach, has pulled together this blogpost on Diabetes and what support is available:

Type 2 Diabetes is one of the UK’s most common long-term health conditions. Many people are unaware of the risk factors associated with diabetes, which can include:

• family history of Diabetes

• being overweight

• living a sedentary lifestyle and not participating in much physical activity 

Type 2 Diabetes can be preventable and manageable with the following diet, exercise and lifestyle changes:

Eating clean

• Focus on a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. By limiting sugary snacks, sweet drinks, and highly processed foods, you can reduce spikes in blood sugar. 

  
  

Move your body 

• 30 minutes of walking, stretching, or light exercise 3-5 times a week lowers insulin levels.

  
  

Maintain a healthy weight

• Losing just 5-10% of your body weight if you’re overweight, can significantly reduce your risk of developing Diabetes.

  
  

Reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality

• Poor sleep and high stress can affect your blood sugar levels. Try to leave time in the day for rest and self-care activities such as breathing and meditation exercises, walks and journaling.

Reach out to support systems 

• If you are at higher risk of Diabetes, speak to your GP about getting a blood sugar check. Early detection can prevent long-term complications.

What support is available in Sheffield?

Our Wellbeing Coaches here at SOAR run 1-1 sessions and offer support about all the different strategies to manage and prevent long-term conditions such as Diabetes. We are also responsible for signposting clients to the various resources available in the city.

Our Naheen is also a DESMOND Educator (she completed her training in 2022), and is now working with the NHS to deliver the programme to patients with Diabetes, and those who need support and information about their condition.

Find out more about what our Wellbeing Coaches do, and get in touch if we can help.