According to research, the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme has stopped thousands of people from developing type 2 diabetes.
The research, which was carried out by the University of Manchester, has shown that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was one fifth lower in people with raised blood sugars referred to the programme, compared to people not receiving NHS support.
So far, over 1.2 million people have been offered support through the programme which offers personalised lifestyle changes including better quality nutrition, weight loss, and increased physical activity.
The programme is offered to adults in England who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, Professor Jonathan Valabhji, said: “This important study is further evidence that the NHS is preventing type 2 diabetes and helping hundreds of thousands of people across England to lead healthier lives.
“Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem with millions of people affected and not only is it linked to kidney failure, amputation, heart attack, stroke and many of the common types of cancer, it also adds pressure to NHS services.
“So doing nothing is not an option for the NHS and so it is fantastic that our world first programme has offered well over one million people support and empowered them to lead healthier lives and prevent type 2 diabetes.
“You can easily check your own risk through the Diabetes UK ‘Know Your Risk’ tool and come forward for support.”
