Tesco and Diabetes UK are urging the nation to learn about the seriousness of type 2 diabetes, after new research uncovered a worrying lack of awareness of the condition among UK adults.

The survey revealed that over two thirds (71%) of Londoners have never considered their risk of type 2 diabetes.

With the government focus on prevention of ill health, identifying people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and supporting them to lower the risk is vital. The research found that
over a third (45%) of people in Greater London are concerned1 about developing type 2 diabetes now or in the future.

Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition affecting millions. It requires constant management, and can lead to life-altering complications including sight loss, strokes and heart attacks. Its signs and symptoms can be difficult to spot, meaning people can live
with type 2 diabetes for several years without realising. But with the right support, about half of all cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed, and in some cases, put into remission.

Tesco is continuing its partnership with Diabetes UK to support those living with diabetes and those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with the campaign supported by NHS GP, author and nutritionist Dr Rupy Aujla.

One in four adults in London are currently living with diabetes or prediabetes,
yet despite the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its seriousness, public awareness of the condition is surprisingly low.
Nearly 1 in 5 people surveyed could not identify a risk factor for type 2 diabetes (19%) or a
single sign or symptom of developing any type of diabetes (15%).

With 13% of people in Greater London saying they didn’t have time for a health appointment, it’s important that people know they can access convenient health advice from a Tesco Pharmacy rather than waiting for any health concerns, particularly around
diabetes, to get worse.Nearly a third of people surveyed also said they would rather wait and see how health concerns developed (29%) or that
they didn’t think their health concerns were serious enough for an appointment (23%).

Tesco Pharmacies provide specialist information and support for customers to help lower their risk of type 2 diabetes. Customers living with diabetes can speak to specially trained staff in-store about their medication, raise
concerns, or talk about any aspect of diabetes in more than 300 Tesco pharmacies. People can also complete Diabetes UK’s free, online
Know Your Risk tool
to find out their risk of type 2 diabetes, and how to lower it.

The survey revealed that the biggest blockers to eating more healthily are the cost of healthy eating (29%) and lack of time to prepare food (29%). To support this, Tesco and Diabetes UK have developed a new meal planner that will help people living
with or at risk of type 2 diabetes to shop for, and prepare, their meals. Together they have created a range of healthy, affordable summer recipes, alongside healthier versions of meals the nation loves, to help everyone living with or at risk of type 2 diabetes
– and their friends and families – enjoy food this summer.

Dr Rupy Aujla who is an author, nutritionist and the founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen (a recipe website, app, series of books and podcast), supports the campaign, and as a former NHS GP really understands the importance of helping people reduce their risk of
type 2 diabetes, particularly through healthy food and a balanced diet.

The most common enquiry topic in 2024 for customers contacting the Diabetes UK Helpline was eating well and physical activity, representing 35% of all enquiries. So the new recipe for
Summery
Lentil Ragu is set to be a household favourite, and the three-day meal planner offers actionable, affordable, easy-to-follow food advice. The Diabetes UK Helpline is supported by Tesco and its customers.

Jonathan Bridgett, Tesco Pharmacy Services Manager, said: “We are committed to making a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of all our customers. By continuing to work in partnership with Diabetes UK, we hope to provide the resources and support
to help people understand and manage their risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as those living with any type of diabetes, this summer and beyond, with our trained colleagues in more than 300 in-store Pharmacies.”