Awareness Raising and Risk Identification of Type 2 Diabetes

Now known as the Risk Score, the evidence-based survey consists of several simple questions related to age, gender, ethnicity, family history, waist measurement and blood pressure. It uses a points system to identify if a person is at low, moderate, increased, or high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Having recognised that Leicester, and indeed many parts of the country, are ethnically and culturally diverse, the survey has since been translated into a number of South Asian languages. The Risk Score is now available in Gujarati, Bengali, Bangladeshi, Urdu and Punjabi.

Participation is particularly useful for those who:

• Do not fall within the NHS Health Check age range, as anyone over the age of 18 can use it (with the exception of pregnant women).
• Are from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups (who are at increased risk of diabetes).
• Are from socially deprived groups who are at greater diabetes risk and less likely to access local healthcare services.

The survey can also identify those who have potentially already developed the condition, ensuring they receive immediate medical intervention, education and treatment.

Based on the score, advice is provided in the form of lifestyle changes or a GP referral, or referral to the National Diabetes Prevention Programme.

• The Centre for Ethnic Health Research
• ARC East Midlands
• Leicester Diabetes Centre
• University of Leicester
• University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

It is not inevitable, and in many cases can be prevented or delayed, but if left untreated, there is a high risk of serious complications developing. By identifying people early, they can make small lifestyle changes so they can prevent receiving a diagnosis.

The Risk Score in Bengali, Gujarati or Punjabi & Urdu