Diabetes at all-time high: importance of the NHS Health Check
The NHS Health Check presents an opportunity for individuals to take steps to reduce the risk of developing conditions like diabetes.
Last year in England over 1.3 million people took up the offer of an NHS Health Check. With the prevalence of diabetes at an all-time high, the benefits of the programme which range from treatment to lifestyle advice are huge.
The NHS Health Check invites adults in England, aged 40 to 74, for a health assessment which aims to identify those at risk of serious, but potentially avoidable conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
8 to 14 June 2014 marks Diabetes UK’s annual Diabetes Week which aims to raise awareness of the condition, and this year, share personal stories.
Rashmikant Joshi was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when he attended for an NHS Health Check with his local GP.
Rashmi said:
Through the NHS Health Check I received an early diagnosis and treatment. I was encouraged to take control of my own health and now no longer need insulin, thanks to a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Communities that may be at a higher risk of certain conditions, like diabetes, may not be aware of the benefits a simple NHS Health Check can have.
Professor Kevin Fenton, Director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, said:
With type 2 diabetes becoming more common, the NHS Health Check presents an opportunity for individuals to take steps earlier, such as weight control, to prevent or even reverse diabetes in its early stages.
It is important that those eligible take up the offer of an NHS Health Check so their risk of serious, but potentially avoidable conditions, can be assessed, leading to early intervention.
The new NHS Health Check interactive guide provides information about what happens at the NHS Health Check, when and how to get one, and how to lower your risk.
Barbara Young, Diabetes UK Chief Executive, said:
There are 630,000 people who have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and the sooner we can identify them, the sooner they can start getting the support and healthcare they need to manage the condition.
At the moment many people who could benefit from the NHS Health Check are missing out on the opportunity, we would urge anyone aged 40 to 74 to get one. It could be one of the best things you ever do for your health.