27th April 2026
Diabetes Prevention Week – May 25 – May 31, 2026
What You Need to Know
During Diabetes Prevention Week, we are highlighting the reality of the impact of Diabetes in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, the number of diagnoses is rising, making awareness of all types of Diabetes more important. With 117,711 people in Northern Ireland living with the condition, education and early detection are vital.
Know the Types:
Type 1: An autoimmune condition (not lifestyle-related).
Watch for the 4Ts: Toilet, Thirsty, Tired, Thinner.
Type 2: Linked to genetics and lifestyle; 3 in 5 cases can be prevented or delayed.
Gestational: Occurs during pregnancy. It requires clinical management and increases future risk of Type 2.
In Northern Ireland:
- 82,000+people in NI are pre-Diabetic.
- 90%of all Diabetes cases are Type 2.
Take Action:
Intervention at the right stage can prevent progression to a diagnosis of Diabetes.
Use the Diabetes UK Know Your Risk Tool to check your status in two minutes.
Pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes is where a blood sugar level is higher than normal, however not high enough to be classed as Type 2 diabetes. This means you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes however, making some lifestyle changes may help to prevent or delay a Diabetes diagnosis.
How to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes?
- Eating well – maintaining a balanced diet.
- Moving more – being physically active
- Getting support to manage weight, if you need to
For further support check out the B Well website –Eat Well & B Active
- Diabetes UK – Northern Ireland:For local updates and regional statistics.
- Know Your Risk Tool:A clinically validated assessment for Type 2 risk.