My Take | Time to make a new year resolution like your life depends on it
Improving public awareness of diabetes and the risks associated with it should be one of the vows for 2026
New year resolutions take many forms, but a determination to live a healthier lifestyle is one of the most popular. Many of us enthusiastically embraced the Christmas festivities, eating and drinking more than usual.
Now, those who overindulged might be embarking on a detox or a diet. Some have probably already lapsed. But the intentions are good.
I ate my fair share of turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies, often washed down with wine. But 2025 was a year during which I became more mindful of my lifestyle. A year ago, a routine test revealed a blood sugar reading that was slightly higher than considered normal. This meant I was classified as “pre-diabetic”.
Diabetes is a chronic condition which can lead to serious health complications and premature death. The World Health Organization estimates 830 million people live with it globally, up from 200 million in 1990. The surge in cases has been described as an epidemic.
But type 2 diabetes, by far the most common form of the disease, can be prevented or delayed by making lifestyle changes. It is also managed through treatment and medication.
Being “pre-diabetic” does not mean you have the disease. It is, however, a warning that it might develop in the future. Here in the UK, the classification resulted in me being referred to a national diabetes prevention programme, called “Healthier You”. This is a nine-month commitment to leading a healthier lifestyle, modifying your diet and exercising regularly. It is free of charge.