Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is highly prevalent in UK populations of South Asian, Chinese, African Caribbean and Black African heritage and people from these groups tend to develop T2D at younger ages than people from the white population. These communities carry a considerably larger risk of developing T2D compared with the general (white) population; South Asians are up to six times more likely to dev
elop type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, people from African or African Caribbean descent are up to five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than the general population. Although there is a genetic predisposition for T2D, it is essentially seen as a lifestyle disease. There is evidence that shows that T2D can be prevented by lifestyle intervention such as increased physical activity (PA) and a healthy diet can reduce the risk of developing T2D. New Life New You (NLNY) - BME is a community based project that aims to reduce the risk of T2D in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities across Middlesbrough. The project is hosted at Middlesbrough Environment City and is funded by Middlesbrough Council Public Health. The NLNY programme engages with target communities offering screening sessions within local community venues. Our multi disciplinary, multi cultural team allows us to be sensitive to the needs of diverse communities. Screening identifies those individuals at an increased risk of developing T2D offering them access to a free eight week programme of physical activity, healthy eating and motivational support.
