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NHS Prevention Programme cuts chances of Type 2 diabetes for thousands in the Midlands

Thousands of people in the Midlands have been spared Type 2 diabetes thanks to the world leading NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP), new research has revealed.

New data suggests that the healthy living programme resulted in a 7% reduction in the number of new diagnoses of Type 2 diabetes in England between 2018 and 2019, with around 18,000 people saved from the dangerous consequences of the condition.

Someone completing the nine-month NHS scheme reduces their chances of getting the condition by more than a third (37%), according to new University of Manchester research.

Prevention is a key part of the NHS Long Term Plan, which set out a major expansion of the Diabetes Prevention Programme.

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.

Evidence has shown that the NHS in England spends around £10 billion a year on diabetes – around 10% of its entire budget – and the NHS DPP is highly cost effective in the long-term.

In the Midlands, 67,838 people have attended the first session of the programme since it was first launched in 2016, with an average weight loss of 3.7kg, six months after attending the first session.

Since then, the NHS Long Term Plan expanded access so that in the Midlands up to 38,000 people a year will benefit as part of radical NHS action to tackle rising obesity rates and to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can have a devastating impact on people and their families – it is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and is a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and many of the common types of cancer.

Philip Harbord a 62-year-old from Leicestershire, started the DPP programme in March 2020 following a routine blood test that revealed that he was at very high risk of diabetes. Some people call this pre-diabetes.

Philip wanted to lose weight and live a healthy life and he has lost over 9kg on the programme and says: “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! I enjoyed the online sessions and paid attention. It was very convenient and not time consuming”

“I have lessened a number of my risk factors,” adds Philip. 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. I feel fab and really pleased!”

Professor Vinod Patel, Clinical Director Diabetes at NHS England & NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said:

“This latest evidence shows that the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is playing a pivotal role in helping people in the Midlands like Philip to live longer, healthier lives.

“There has never been a more crucial time to lose weight, exercise more and eat more healthily. Our bulging waistlines means many more people are now at risk of joining the expanding ranks of those living with largely preventable Type 2 diabetes.

“If you think you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes, would like more information on NHS DPP or have any other concerns related to your health, please visit your GP or request a telephone consultation. You can also complete the Diabetes UK ‘Know Your Risk’ tool (https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start) to register yourself onto a free local NHS DPP session.”

Peter Shorrick, Head of Midlands and East of England, 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.”