This year NHS England are launching ‘The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme’ (NHS DPP), the first nationwide programme of its kind to help prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes currently costs the NHS around £8.8 billion a year, which is just under 9% of its annual budget. It’s a leading cause of preventable sight loss, especially in those of working age, and also contributes to heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure.
It is thought that around 5 million people in England are currently at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, but that with the roll out of the ‘Healthier You’ programme, this number could be seriously reduced through preventative measures. The hope is to offer up to 100,000 people a year in England tailored help on how to change up their lifestyle habits in order to become healthier and more physically active, as evidence has shown that “behavioural interventions, which support people to maintain a healthy weight and be more active, can significantly reduce the risk of developing the condition”.
Further reading and resources:
Tips for Reducing the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes | CHOHS