South Asian Heritage Month is a celebration of identity, culture, and community and it’s also a powerful reminder to look after our health. People from South Asian backgrounds are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, often at a younger age and a lower weight. But with the right support, you can take control early and protect your long term health. Start your journey today and take a positive step towards a healthier future.
A healthier you is not about big changes all at once. It’s about small steps, support, and understanding your body.
Our trained health coaches—many with experience supporting South Asian communities—will help you:
Our programmes are free, designed especially for people who are either at risk of Type 2 diabetes (recent blood test highlighting elevated glucose levels of 42-47 mmol/mol) OR already diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes with a glucose test of over 48mmol/mol.*
“I’m not overweight, so I’m not at risk.” – South Asian people can develop diabetes at a lower weight.
“Diabetes only happens when you’re older.” – Risk can increase from your 20s and 30s –
“If I feel fine, I don’t need to worry.” – Many people have no symptoms until Diabetes has already developed.
Join our free community information sessions in June and July 2026. Learn about your risk, meet our coaches, and hear real stories from South Asian participants.
Events include:
As part of South Asian Heritage Month 2026, we are proud to be working with local community organisations and public health partners to promote healthier lifestyles and raise awareness of diabetes prevention across South Asian communities.
In partnership with Bracknell Forest Public Health and the Bengali Cultural Society (BCS), we recently delivered a Diabetes and Women’s Health community event aimed at supporting members of the local South Asian community with information, advice and access to health and wellbeing services.
The event welcomed around 20–30 attendees, including members of the Bengali Cultural Society and the wider South Asian community. The session provided an opportunity for residents to learn more about diabetes prevention, women’s health, and the support available within their local area.
Our team delivered a presentation on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP), highlighting the importance of identifying risk factors early and making sustainable lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Attendees also heard from a range of guest speakers who shared information on wider diabetes-related services and women’s health topics.
Dates to be confirmed.
For many South Asian families, health is something we protect for our loved ones and for future generations. Our two Diabetes related programmes, delivered by Xyla for the NHS since 2016, are here to help.
More than 850,000 people across England have already been referred or have referred themselves to the programme. Many of them come from South Asian backgrounds, where the risk of Type 2 diabetes can be higher — even at a lower weight or younger age.
Both programmes are free, trusted, and proven to make a real difference.
Take action now with proactive strategies and lifestyle changes to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Our comprehensive diabetes prevention programme, the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention programme, empowers you with the knowledge and tools to make healthier choices, manage risk factors, and lead a balanced life.
Work towards living free of type 2 diabetes and regain control of your health on the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme. Our evidence-based programmes offer comprehensive support, including dietary guidance, exercise plans, and medical interventions, to help you achieve sustainable remission and live free from the burden of diabetes.
Start your journey now. It only takes a few minutes.
Start your journey nowFind out more about the Path to Remission here
Start your path to remissionIf your organisation would like to work with us to promote the NHS Healthier You: Diabetes Prevention Programme within your community, please contact our engagement team.
Contact us