IN Halton, over 8,500 people have a diagnosis of diabetes meaning they are at higher risk and more vulnerable to significant effects of coronavirus.

Additional risks due to factors including a history of high blood sugar levels and high body weight mean that people with diabetes should be more stringent with their social distancing measures and should shield when they have been labelled ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’.

Coronavirus is impacting everybody’s lives right now and looking after health and wellbeing may be more difficult than usual. During the present pandemic, many of us are finding that our eating habits have changed. We may be eating more food than we usually do, coupled with moving around less.

It is estimated that 74.4 percent of the local population are overweight or obese. Managing diabetes can be a challenge at the best of times and now more than ever, people need knowledge, support and confidence to manage their condition.

Being overweight or obese is a key risk factor in multiple diseases including the development of type 2 diabetes. Nine out of ten people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese at the point of diagnosis.

If you are carrying excess weight when you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, research suggests that there is a good chance that your diabetes could go into remission if you can lose 15kg (just over 2 stone).

What is Diabetes Essentials?

Diabetes Essentials is the type 2 diabetes information service for Halton to provide support and help. The Diabetes Essentials team may not be able to offer the usual group sessions at this time, however they are available to support you and answer your questions.

The team can also register you for online support for type 2 diabetes and send you written information by post.

Information videos will soon be provided to share until face-to-face sessions can safely resume.

You can phone or email the Diabetes Essentials team directly on: 01244 363230 or email diabetes.essentials@nhs.net for more information.

If you have diabetes and are feeling anxious you can also contact the Diabetes UK helpline on: 0345 123 2399.