Europe
Leicester
Joined the programme in 2018
A culturally diverse city in the heart of England, Leicester is home to 340,000 people who together speak more than 70 different languages and dialects.
Leicester, England
The diabetes challenge in Leicester
The city’s diabetes prevalence is among the highest in the UK at 8.9%, and studies have shown that ethnicity can play a role in increasing or decreasing one’s risk of developing diabetes. Because of Leicester’s cultural mix and diabetes prevalence, the city joined the Cities Changing Diabetes programme, and a dedicated action plan has been developed by the partners.
Key facts and figures
1/2
More than half of adults are physically inactive.
55%
of the population is overweight or obese.
23%
of children aged 10-11 in Leicester have obesity.
About the programme
The Leicester Diabetes Centre has been working with stakeholders to conduct data triangulation, including the prevalence of obesity, diabetes and prediabetes, and provided a comprehensive and unique city-wide profile. The first part of the quantitative research was presented during a launch event in Leicester.
Together with key partners, including the Centre for Black and
Minority Ethnic Health (CMBE) and Leicester City in the Community, the
Leicester Diabetes Centre has helped launched Leicester Healthy Goals.
This initiative provides support to people with diabetes and obesity
in South Asian communities by educating them in health literacy and
management, and engaging them in peer-supported light physical
activities.
"As a partner in Cities Changing Diabetes, we are joining a global programme to develop the best possible interventions for addressing a very real local issue, in a city where almost 9% of the population are living with diabetes."
—Cllr Adam Clarke, Deputy City Mayor
Key partners
The Centre for Black and Minority Ethnic Health (CMBE)
Leicester City in the community
The Leicester Diabetes Centre
