This week is Diabetes Week and a great time to get everyone talking about the condition.

It affects so many people across south east Essex and raise awareness of the services that are available to support local diabetics.

It’s so important that we increase our understanding about the types of diabetes, what can cause it and how to prevent it.

Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent long term conditions in south east Essex – and I am really keen to raise some awareness locally.

A Public Health England Health report shows there are around 73,750 patients registered with diabetes in Essex.

Castle Point and Rochford and Southend residents have the highest reported rates of hypoglycaemia in the East of England region.

Type 2 Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and is a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes.

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes currently accounts for just under nine per cent of the annual NHS budget at around £8.8 billion a year.

There are two major types of diabetes affecting our population.

Type 1 diabetes largely occurs in children and young adults and is brought about by rapid destruction of the body’s insulin producing cells.

It accounts for approximately ten per cent of diabetes in the UK.

Treatment of Type 1 diabetes is by use of insulin, with a precarious balance between carbohydrate intake and the required insulin dose.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for the bulk of the remainder of diabetes.

It can be associated with being overweight, ethnicity, socio economic deprivation and advancing age.

Treatment of Type 2 diabetes involves weight loss and lifestyle modification as well as use of medication to control blood glucose and to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease.

Evidence exists which shows that many cases of Type 2 Diabetes are preventable.

There is also strong international evidence which demonstrates how behavioural interventions, which support people to maintain a healthy weight and be more active, can significantly, reduce the risk of developing the condition.

The good news is there is plenty of support, advice and information for those who are at risk or are affected by Type 2 Diabetes.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a joint commitment from NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK, to deliver an evidence based behavioural programme.

It is designed to support people to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Castle Point and Rochford CCG is one of a number CCGs across England that participated in the roll out of the scheme for our population.

Participants referred learn how to incorporate healthier eating, physical activity, problem solving and coping skills into their daily lives to support and empower patients who are at high risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes to take charge of their health and wellbeing.

A typical nine month programme includes an initial one-to-one assessment, group meetings with a trained health and wellbeing coach for ten weeks and four, monthly group maintenance sessions.

One-to-one progress review sessions are also available with a coach.