Tesco and Diabetes UK have teamed up to boost public health awareness, and encourage young men to take a simple and free test to understand their risk of type 2 diabetes.
Ahead of Diabetes Prevention Week, which runs between 22 and 28 May, the UK’s largest retailer and healthcare charity are urging men under 40 to visit one of Tesco’s 370 pharmacies to take the assessment.
According to Diabetes UK, cases in men under 40 could top 200,000 by 2027, as over 80% don’t eat the recommended portions of fruit and veg, or take enough exercise.
As part of Tesco’s Better Baskets campaign, the supermarket has produced a series of healthy and budget-friendly recipes for Prevention Week, approved by Diabetes UK, which are available through the Tesco Real Food website.
In February, Tesco launched at-home testing kits for shoppers to test for various health problems, including bowel cancer, menopause and thyroid issues.
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Analysis of NHS data by Diabetes UK and Tesco last year found that cases of type 2 diabetes – historically associated with older people – rose at a faster rate among those under 40 than in those over 40 over the past 5 years.
Tesco UK CEO Jason Tarry said: “Type 2 diabetes is one of the most common health conditions we face in the UK, but the reality is that many cases could be prevented or delayed. And we know that a healthy diet is one of the ways to reduce your risk.
“In communities across the country, we have a brilliant network of friendly and helpful Tesco Pharmacy colleagues that serve half a million customers a week. We’d like to see as many people as possible come and assess their type 2 diabetes risk and understand the steps to reduce it.
“Through our longstanding partnership with Diabetes UK, and our Better Baskets campaign, we’re committed to helping customers make healthier food choices and lead healthier lives.”
Diabetes UK chief executive Chris Askew OBE added: “While developing type 2 diabetes isn’t looming large on the minds of most young men, we’re seeing increased numbers of men in this age group developing this serious and life-altering condition.
“Managing your weight, eating healthily and doing more physical activity can all contribute to reducing your risk of getting type 2 diabetes, and starting those habits at a younger age can set you up on a healthy path for later life, when we really see people’s risk increase.
“Understanding the risk factors of type 2 diabetes, and your own personal risk based on your family history, ethnicity and general health is so important. Getting a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is life-changing.”
“Younger men have the chance now to make changes that could reduce their risk of developing the condition, and know how to help keep it at bay.”
