Public Health England (PHE) has recently published local estimates of the number of adults with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (blood sugar levels in a range indicating a high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes). These estimates have been broken down by local authority for the first time and the report can be found here. This newsflash summarises what the report says about Richmond upon Thames.

The analysis found no significant differences in the prevalence of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia between areas of deprivation or males and females. This differs from the distribution of diabetes itself (diagnosed and undiagnosed), where prevalence increases as deprivation increases and the prevalence in men is higher than in women. Only age, ethnicity and BMI were found to be significant predictors of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia and these factors were used to create local estimates.

This report was commissioned by the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP), who will be supporting people in reducing their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by helping them lose weight, be more active and have a healthier diet. Richmond has recently submitted and Expression of Interest to be part of a South London DPP pilot site.

What does this mean for Richmond?

  • It is estimated that in 2015 in Richmond 15,033 people aged 16 and over have non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.
  • This is a prevalence of 9.6%, which is 11th lowest in the country and lower than the England average of 11.4%. The lowest prevalence in England is in Brighton and Hove (8.5%) and the highest is in Harrow (14%).
  • Richmond has the 7th lowest prevalence of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia in London, whereas for diagnosed diabetes itself, Richmond has the second lowest prevalence (behind City of London).
  • PHE evidence highlights the success of supportive behaviour change programmes in reducing Type 2 diabetes in at risk groups by 26% on average. Locally, Richmond council commissions a Walking Away from Diabetes programme to support people diagnosed with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia to reduce their risk. In 2014, 70 people were referred to these six-week courses and 100% of these people completed the programme, demonstrating a high level of programme engagement.