A record number of adults have tackled their risk of Type 2 diabetes with the NHS’ Healthier You programme. The latest analysis found that 166,360 more adults have accessed the programme in the last year to delay or completely prevent the onset of the disease. The initiative aims to reduce Type 2 diabetes risk factors through weight loss and lifestyle changes, with obesity increasing someone’s risk of developing the condition by up to 85%. The programme focuses on tackling prediabetic risk factors before they have the chance to fully develop into pathology, in order to prevent the need for medication and specialised treatment.
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‘Type 2 diabetes and obesity are both major public health challenges for this country, so it is great to see that this world-leading NHS initiative is preventing Type 2 diabetes – and empowering hundreds of thousands of people across England to lead healthier lives,’ said Dr Clare Hambling, National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity at NHS England. ‘Having the opportunity to prevent this life-altering condition via the NHS is remarkable, but it is also important that people are aware of their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.’
Awareness around personal risk is crucial for preventing its onset before specialised treatment is required. The analysis by Manchester University found that upon completion of the programme, participants’ risk of developing Type 2 diabetes was reduced by 37%. People wishing to start the programme have the option to self-register if they believe they are at risk, or if they are referred by their GP. Personal risk can be checked using the Know Your Risk tool hosted by Diabetes UK, which can calculate the chance of the participant developing Type 2 diabetes.
‘The NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme has a vitally important part to play in stemming the rise in type 2 diabetes and it’s encouraging to see more people accessing this life-changing support,’ said Douglas Twenefour, Head of Clinical at Diabetes UK. ‘Diabetes UK’s free, online Know Your Risk tool is a great first step to understanding your personal risk of Type 2 diabetes and how to lower it.’