What is the programme and its aims

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) is delivering at scale provision of evidence based lifestyle change programmes based on proven UK and international models focused on lowering weight, increasing physical activity and improving diet in those individuals who are identified at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The NHS DPP is delivering a systematic approach to reducing the risk of individuals developing diabetes. However, it is equally important that the outcomes for those with diabetes are improved and unjustified variation is reduced. The importance of improving outcomes for individuals with diabetes is reflected in the inclusion in the CCG Improvement and Assessment Framework (CCG IAF) of indicators covering:

• Diabetes patients that have achieved all the NICE recommended treatment targets: Three (HbA1c (blood sugar), cholesterol and blood pressure) for adults and one (HbA1c) for children
• People with diabetes diagnosed less than a year who attend a structured education course

These have been selected because they are recognised evidence-based measures of whether patients with diabetes are being supported to successfully manage their condition.

Why is the programme required

There are an estimated 3.85 million people in England with diabetes of which 2.91 million have been diagnosed. We estimate that a further four million people in England are at high risk of Type 2 diabetes, and by 2035 there will be 4.94 million people in England with the disease. Diabetes accounts for £10 billion of NHS spend in the UK every year, with 80% on managing complications. The health and financial burden of this disease are high and this will continue to grow unless we do more to prevent it.

The prevalence of diabetes has increased by 22.5% in East Midlands between 2011-12 and 2016-17. The long term aim is to reduce the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes within England.

90% of people with diabetes have Type 2 and we know that the majority of these cases could be prevented or delayed. Randomised control trials have shown 30-60 per cent reductions in incidence of Type 2 diabetes over three years in adults at high risk who received intensive lifestyle change interventions (compared to control groups).

Who are the partners

• Clinical commissioning groups
• Local authorities
• Public Health England East Midlands
• Diabetes UK

How are we making a difference

Our network led implementation as a first wave NDPP site from April 2016 for Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. Up to end of January 2018, we made 13,627 referrals to NHS DPP and are on course to over deliver against the March 2018 referral target for East Midlands Partnership.From June 2018, the programme will be sustainability and transformation partnerships (STP) led and the East Midlands Diabetes with Vascular Diseases Clinical Network has supported all East Midlands STPs in developing proposals for transition to STP delivery.

Who to contact for further information

Martin Cassidy, Head of Network – Diabetes with Vascular Diseases
Vishal Gorecha, Diabetes Assurance Manager