New research has indicated that thousands of people have been spared Type 2 diabetes thanks to the world leading NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
Data shows that NHS DPP resulted in a seven per cent reduction in the number of new diagnoses of Type 2 diabetes in England between 2018 and 2019, with around 18,000 people saved the dangerous consequences of the condition.
According to new University of Manchester research due to be presented at the annual Diabetes UK Professional Conference, someone completing the nine month NHS scheme reduces their chances of getting the condition by 37 per cent.
People enrolled in the programme get advice on healthy eating and exercise that can prevent them developing the condition, avoiding the need for medication and complications, such as amputations. Almost one million people have been referred to the programme since it was first launched in 2016, with participants who complete achieving an average weight loss of 3.3kg.
Evidence has shown that the NHS spends around £10 billion a year on diabetes – around 10 per cent of its entire budget – and the NHS DPP is highly cost effective in the long-term.
Jonathan Valabhji, NHS National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, said: “The evidence is now clear – the NHS is preventing type 2 diabetes and is helping thousands of people to lead healthier lives. Summer 2018 saw England become the first country to achieve universal coverage with such a programme. This latest evidence shows that the programme can have a major impact on peoples’ lives.”
Emma Elvin, Senior Clinical Advisor at Diabetes UK, said: “This research adds to the evidence that many type 2 diabetes cases can be delayed or prevented with the right support and further highlights how the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme can be a real turning point for people at risk of type 2 diabetes.
“For some people, combined lifestyle interventions – including diet, physical activity and sustained weight loss – can be very effective in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. That is why we need to ensure that all who can benefit from the programme know of it and are able to access it.”
