Nearly 84,000 Londoners now have a reduced chance of developing Type 2 diabetes thanks to the world leading NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP), which launched in 2016.
Prevention is a key part of the NHS Long Term Plan, which set out a major expansion of the Diabetes Prevention Programme.
With almost 750,000 people at risk of Type 2 diabetes in London, people enrolled in the programme get advice on healthy eating and exercise that can prevent them developing the condition.
Nadia, from Brent, who started the NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme remotely in September 2020, said:
“I’m very grateful the programme was available especially during COVID. The sessions allowed to me to understand the importance of diabetes and how to reduce my risk. I have learnt how to manage my diet and I feel healthier because I am eating a lot more vegetables.
“It’s a great opportunity for a change in your lifestyle. It makes you more conscious of your habits and provides the ability to make changes and improve your level of fitness. My exercise routine has improved, especially when understanding why exercise is important to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”
The NHS spends around £10 billion a year on diabetes nationally – around 10% of its entire budget – and the NHS DPP is highly cost-effective in the long-term.
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.
Sarah Newall, Specialist Diabetes Dietician and Senior Clinical Project Manager for the London Diabetes Clinical Network said:
“The NHS is preventing Type 2 diabetes and is helping thousands of people to lead healthier lives.
“Type 2 diabetes can develop slowly, so it’s important to know your risk. We urge all Londoners to check if they are eligible to take part in the free Diabetes Prevention Programme which offers personalised support to help make sustainable lifestyle changes and reduce risk.”
