Key Summary
- One million people have joined the NHS diabetes prevention programme
- Personalised support helps people lose weight and lower their risk
- Prevention-focused care is easing future pressure on the NHS
NHS Healthier You, a weight management and lifestyle change initiative to prevent type 2 diabetes, has now reached a milestone of one million participants.
Type 2 diabetes is a preventable yet common health condition in England affecting nearly nine out of ten adults.
Experts project that around 5.5 million people in the UK would have type 2 diabetes by 2030.
Healthier You is one of the world’s first clinically proven diabetes prevention scheme that began in 2016.
The Manchester University’s review states that the programme is effective as it helped reduce the participants’ risk of having type 2 diabetes by 37 per cent, with an average weight loss of 3.3 kg.
The nine-month programme provides people with personalised support both directly and virtually.
It focuses on their diet, weight management and physical activities to stay fit.
“Preventing illness before it takes hold is at the heart of our mission to build an NHS fit for the future. This programme is proof that with the right support, people can take control of their health and dramatically reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,” commented Baroness Merron, Health Minister.
However, she said, “Reaching nearly one million participants is a tremendous milestone, but we know there is more to do so we will continue to invest in prevention to transform our NHS.”
“Diabetes UK is proud to be a partner in this programme which has helped so many people access life-changing support,” said Colette Marshall, chief executive at Diabetes UK.
Marshall added, “Diabetes UK’s free, online Know Your Risk tool is a great place to start. By answering a few simple questions, you can find out your personal risk of type 2 diabetes and how to lower it.”
