• In the UK, roughly 8% of adult women have diabetes (including both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases) as of the latest data around 2021.  

• Type 2 diabetes overwhelmingly accounts for the majority of these cases (around 90%).  

• In South Yorkshire, the prevalence among women is estimated to be similar to the national figures – around 7–9% of adult women  

• Gestational diabetes is not included in general prevalence estimates since it is a temporary condition of pregnancy, but it’s an increasingly common issue – for example, about 1,400 women in South Yorkshire develop gestational diabetes each year, reflecting a rising trend due to higher maternal age and obesity rates. 

• Women experience diabetes differently to men due to biological and social factors.  

• Hormonal changes across life stages (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause) can affect blood glucose levels. 

• Women who have gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.  

• Stigma and social pressures can impact women disproportionately, particularly when managing long-term conditions alongside work or caring roles. 

• There are higher risks for some ethnic groups and those with obesity. 

Key prevention actions include: 

• Eat well: a balanced diet with reduced sugar and processed foods 

• Move more: regular physical activity 

• Maintain a healthy weight 

• Attending NHS Health Checks (age 40-74) 

• Know your personal risk factors: complete a risk check 

• Seek early support if you are concerned 

Evidence shows lifestyle changes such as improved diet, increased physical activity and weight management can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Simple campaign message for prevention: 

“Small changes today can reduce your risk tomorrow.” 

Look out for further information and links later in the campaign to support services and resources. 

National diabetes support and information: 

• Diabetes UK provides lots of useful information about diabetes – https://www.diabetes.org.uk  
• NHS information about diabetes prevention – https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/diabetes-prevention/  
• Check your risk tool – https://healthieryou.reedwellbeing.com/check-your-risk/ 
• Wide range of useful leaflets aimed at people with diabetes – https://trenddiabetes.online/people-with-diabetes/ 
• Lived experience stories of people with diabetes – https://www.diabetes.org.uk/living-with-diabetes/stories 

Diabetes support in South Yorkshire: 

If you are living with diabetes, or worried about your risk, there is support available across South Yorkshire to help you stay well. 

Whether you are looking for advice on healthy living, support after diagnosis, or help to reduce your risk, local services can support you every step of the way. 

• Your Diabetes Your Journey: an online resource hub aimed at people aged under 40 living with early-onset type 2 diabetes. It includes practical advice about healthy lifestyle, local support services and self-management tools – https://southyorkshire.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/your-diabetes-your-journey 

• Local Diabetes group for Sheffield which offers regular meetings, guest speakers and peer support – https://www.sheffielddiabetesuk.group/ 

Useful webinar recordings: 

• South Yorkshire Women Inspired Network webinars including:
  • Helping People Move More: The Power of Walking
  • Yoga for Wellbeing, More than just a Pose! With Lucy Colbourne from Blue Sheep Wellness
• Foundations of Health webinar series: included sessions on healthy lifestyle topics

Local Authority Healthy Lifestyle Services: 

• Barnsley – Weight Management Programme (Barnsley Premier Leisure) – Weight Management Programme – Barnsley Premier Leisure 

• Doncaster – BeWell Doncaster – For me | Well Doncaster 

• Rotherham – Rotherham Healthwave – Rotherham Healthwave – Helping Boost Health and Wellness 

• Sheffield – MoreLife (healthy lifestyle service) – Sheffield – Morelife UK 

These services support: 

• Healthy eating 

• Physical activity 

• Weight management 
• Behaviour change 

Local Physical Activity Programmes: 

• What’s Your Move Barnsley – https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/whats-your-move/  

• Get Doncaster Moving – https://getdoncastermoving.org/ 

• Rotherham – Moving Rotherham – https://movingrotherham.wixsite.com/website 

• Sheffield – Move More Sheffield – https://www.movemoresheffield.com/