Preventing type 2 diabetes

Beverley Bostock RGN MSc MA QN

Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Mann Cottage Surgery, Gloucestershire

Council Member, Primary Care Cardiovascular Society

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with central obesity and approximately 90% of people diagnosed with T2D are overweight or obese.¹ Central obesity is known to drive insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, all of which are implicated in the development of the cardiovascular complications of T2D.² These complications include diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke and peripheral arterial disease which can impact on the quality and quantity of years lived. The cost of treating these complications makes up the majority proportion of the overall cost to the NHS of managing diabetes.³ Prevention of T2D therefore offers significant advantages for individuals, the NHS and society in general.

On completion of this learning resource, you will be able to:

• Recognise the link between obesity, non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH) and type 2 diabetes (T2D)
• Implement a range of evidence-based interventions to prevent T2D in those at risk
• Consider how motivational interviewing can support people with behaviour change
• Reflect on the importance of the multidisciplinary team when engaging people to reduce their risk of T2D

This resource is provided at an intermediate level. Read the article and answer the self-assessment questions, and reflect on what you have learned.

Complete the resource to obtain a certificate to include in your revalidation portfolio. You should record the time spent on this resource in your CPD log.

PRACTICE NURSE FEATURED ARTICLE

Evidence-based approaches to preventing type 2 diabetes Beverley Bostock. Practice Nurse 2023;53(3):20-24