It’s World Diabetes Day, and there are over 4 million people living with diabetes, both type 1 and 2 in the UK currently. However, a report by Diabetes UK has estimated that there are 850,000 people in the UK unaware that they have the condition. Could you be one of them?
If you are aged between 40 – 74, don’t have a pre-existing health condition and haven’t had an NHS Health Check in the last 5 years then you are entitled to a free check.
The NHS Health Check is a free check-up delivered locally by our health professionals and is designed to spot the early signs of type 2 diabetes, stroke, kidney disease, heart disease and dementia. Our health professional will also help you to identify ways to lower your risks and support you to make any simple changes needed to lead a healthier life.
During this free ‘midlife MOT,’ you will be asked some questions around your lifestyle and a health professional will do some simple tests where they will check your blood pressure, height, weight, BMI (a measure of whether you are a healthy weight), HbA1C levels (blood glucose level) and cholesterol.
You should receive a letter from your GP surgery inviting you for a free NHS Health Check every 5 years. However, if you do not receive a letter, but think you are eligible then please ring your GP surgery to book in.
