People of south Asian, black Caribbean and black African descent have a higher prevalence of developing Type 2 diabetes, and the risk starts at a younger age.

Ingeus health educator Aqib Elahi delivers the NHS diabetes prevention programme in English, Hindi and Urdu. He recently took to the airwaves of community radio station Unity 101 to explain the programme to the Asian and ethnic communities of Southampton.

“We need to encourage people from south Asian, black Caribbean and black African communities who are at higher risk of developing Type 2 to access support,” said Aqib. “We tailor the programme to be mindful of cultural influences, religious practices, and cooking habits, to ensure that the information we provide is meaningful and useful on a day to day level.”

Aqib was joined for the Community Hour interview by presenter Sohinee Dey Pal and fellow guest Dr Shiba Qamar, local GP and clinical lead for diabetes in Southampton. They discussed the dangers and signs of pre-diabetes and the free, expert help offered by the Healthier You diabetes prevention programme.

Listen to the podcast here: https://www.podcasts.canstream.co.uk/unity101/index.php?id=23827