This month, Barnet is raising awareness of the healthy changes we can all make to reduce our risk of developing type 2 diabetes – and feel great!

An older man and a child read a book together

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high, affecting your everyday life and increasing your risk of getting serious problems with your eyes, feet, heart and nerves.

Am I at risk?

There are several risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including family history, age and ethnic background. We also know you’re more likely to develop it if you’re overweight.

What can I do to help prevent diabetes?

For some people, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by making healthy changes to habits and behaviours:

Eat well

Go bean! Try adding beans, peas and lentils to your meals to help support a healthy diet. Beans, peas and lentils are naturally low in fat and high in fibre, meaning they can help you to maintain a healthy weight. They also have a low glycaemic index. This means that eating beans can help to keep blood sugar levels steady and can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Scan the QR code and click ‘Go Bean’ for tasty, simple recipes and healthy eating tips or visit: yourhealthbarnet.org/gobean

Move More

Moving more can also help you reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. Aim to walk quickly or do something else that will get you a little out of breath for 30 minutes, on at least five days of the week.

Explore your local green space, pop into your nearest Barnet Better gym or scan the QR code (yourhealthbarnet.org/movemore ) for free and low cost ideas to help you get moving in Barnet, no matter your fitness level.

Stop Smoking

People who smoke cigarettes are 30%–40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who don’t smoke. If you have diabetes and you smoke, quitting smoking will benefit your health right away. Adam, 48, had been a smoker for over 30 years. After suffering a heart attack on his way to work, he made the decision to stop smoking for good: ‘Barnet’s Stop Smoking service brought an element of joy to the process. When you think of stopping smoking, it’s a chore, it’s a challenge, but the service made it fun.’ You’re three times more likely to quit and stay smoke free if you receive professional support. Scan the QR code or visit: yourhealthbarnet.org/stop-smoking

Drink Less

Cutting back on alcohol can have positive effects on your body and mind in just a few days. Why not try swapping your next drink for a non-alcoholic alternative? Even cutting back small amounts can help you lose weight, give you more energy to play with the kids or grandkids, and help you sleep better.

If you’re worried you might be drinking too much, scan the QR code and click ‘Drink Less’ to take DrinkCoach’s free 2 minute alcohol test or get free online coaching sessions with an alcohol specialist.

Come along to Barnet’s Diabetes Week Event

Friday 14 June, 10am –6pm, FREE

Main atrium (Centre Court) at Brent Cross Shopping Centre

Get a FREE ‘Know your risk’ score for type 2 diabetes. Get health and wellbeing advice from a range of professionals including support to help you:

move more
eat healthily
keep a healthy heart
manage blood pressure
stop smoking
drink less
look after your mental health

And get creative with arts & crafts activities for the kids!

Over 40? Book yourself in for a free health screening: www.barnet.gov.uk/healthscreen

Scan me

Or visit: yourhealthbarnet.org/diabetesprevention

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.