The NHS in the Midlands has stopped thousands of people in the East Midlands from getting Type 2 diabetes, thanks to the world leading NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, new research shows today.

Analysis by University of Manchester researchers shows 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.

The programme has been offered to adults in the East Midlands who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes as part of radical action to tackle rising obesity rates and to prevent people from developing the condition.

Delivered via face-to-face group sessions or online through a digital app and website, the programme provides personalised support to help people achieve a healthy weight, improve their diet and become more physically active, which have all been shown to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Across the Midlands over 241,000 people have been offered support through the programme, with personalised lifestyle changes including better quality nutrition, weight loss, and increased physical activity. Those completing the programme who were overweight or obese lost on average 4.6kg, greater than originally predicted.

Today’s research builds on previous analysis, which found the programme scheme 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 consequences of the condition.

Developing 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, amputation, heart attack, stroke. Obesity itself can increase the risk of many common types of cancer.

Professor Azhar Farooqi, Co-Clinical Director for the Midlands Cardiovascular Disease and Respiratory Network and GP at East Leicester Medical Practice, said:

“This important study is further evidence that the NHS is preventing Type 2 diabetes and helping thousands of people across the East Midlands 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 it is fantastic that our world first programme has offered support to over 241,000 people in the region and empowered them to lead healthier lives and prevent Type 2 diabetes.”

Anyone who thinks that they are at risk of Type 2 diabetes or would like more information should contact their GP Practice. People who are eligible will be referred on to the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk tool is also available for people to find out more about their risk of Type 2 diabetes at www.diabetes.org.uk/knowyourrisk.

Previous estimates suggest that the number of people in the UK with diabetes could rise to 4.2 million people by 2030, affecting almost 9% of the population.

NHS diabetes experts believe that combined advice on healthy eating and exercise can prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes, so potentially avoiding the need for medication and developments of complications such as amputations.

Professor Evangelos Kontopantelis from The University Manchester said: “Type 2 diabetes is a major public health concern which has been rising globally, with over 3 million people in the UK currently diagnosed with it.

“Previous studies have shown that both lifestyle modifications through diet and physical activity and medication can prevent progression to this condition.

”This study is good news for the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme which we show beyond doubt is a powerful way to protect your health.”

More information on the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is available via the NHS website.