The NHS is using Facebook to reach thousands of men aged 40 and over in the East Midlands who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, to help them to change their lifestyle and avoid the condition.

Philip Harbord has lost 9kg since joining the NHS Healthier You Programme

The 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.

Research shows that men over 40 are particularly at risk of getting Type 2 diabetes and this risk increases with age.
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.

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.

The NHS has fast-tracked access to the Healthier You programme after research found that people are twice as likely to die from COVID-19 if they have Type 2 diabetes.

The new drive follows a successful national campaign in August last year which targeted Black and South Asian communities who are more at risk of Type 2 diabetes from the age of 25.

Professor Azhar Farooqi, Co-Clinical Director for the Midlands Cardiovascular Disease and Respiratory Network and GP at East Leicester Medical Practice, said: “COVID-19 has shown us it is vital we act now. The evidence is clear – obesity and Type 2 diabetes significantly increase the risk that many of us face from coronavirus. 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.”

Nationally, over half a million people have been referred into the programme, and those completing the programme who were overweight or obese lost on average 3.6kg, greater than originally predicted.

Philip Harbord, 62, from Lutterworth found out that he was pre-diabetic following a routine blood test. Feeling confused, he booked an appointment with a nurse who gave him more information about the NHS National Diabetes Prevention Programme. Philip was referred to the ‘Healthier You’ programme in March 2020. “I was prepared to give the course a go. I wanted to lose weight and live a healthy life”, said Philip.

Golf enthusiast Philip has previously fought cancer and lost weight as a result. “I recovered very quickly from my operation and I managed to walk again within a few days”. He felt determined to keep his weight down so that he could continue doing what he loves. “I don’t want to lose the ability to walk – I enjoy it so much”.

He joined the programme, run by Ingeus, at Harborough Leisure Centre and continued group sessions online. “I enjoyed the online sessions and paid attention. It was very convenient and not time consuming”.

The programme has helped Philip to learn more about what he eats and how to make simple adjustments towards healthier options. “I was horrified at the sugar content in my breakfast cereal. I have now changed to no added sugar muesli and bitesize Shredded Wheat. I have a sweet tooth and still have treats but in moderation now!”

With the support of the programme, Philip has achieved great improvements in his risk parameters. “I have lessened a number of my risk factors. I have lost 9kg since joining the course, I have reduced my waist by three inches, my blood pressure is healthy and my HbA1c has decreased.”

Feeling the benefits of healthy changes, to anyone considering joining ‘Healthier You’ Philip says; “I feel fab and really pleased! Do it! It’s simple, just try it!”

In the Midlands, 37,799 people have attended the first NHS DPP session with an average weight loss of 3.1kg, 6 months after attending the first session.