The NHS is using Facebook to reach millions of men aged 40 and over who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, to help them to change their lifestyle and avoid the condition.
Research shows that men over 40 are particularly at risk of getting Type 2 diabetes and this risk increases with age. The new Facebook adverts will highlight the increased risk among white men of this age and encourage them to sign up for support from the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
The world leading programme, which supports those who are at risk of developing the condition to lose weight and adopt healthier habits, has already helped hundreds of thousands of people.
There are now 200,000 places up for grabs every year thanks to the NHS Long Term Plan.
As part of the campaign, the NHS will post a series of sponsored Facebook ads over the next three weeks which will let users click through to a quiz by Diabetes UK. If their score is moderate or high they can refer themselves to a local service for support remotely or online, without having to go through a healthcare professional.
Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity for the NHS in England, said: “The evidence is clear – obesity and type 2 diabetes significantly increase the risk that many of us face from Covid. And we already knew that for men over 40 in particular, the risk of type 2 diabetes steadily increases with age so it is crucial people in this group check their risk and get the right support.
“As we start to see signs of normal life returning, there has never been a better time to start living a healthier lifestyle and we want to support even more people to do this. If you think you are at risk, check your risk online – it is free and it could be life changing.”