Approximately 18,000 fewer people were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in England between 2018 and 2019 due to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, according to research from the University of Manchester.
With one in ten people being predicted to have the condition by 2030, the obesity crisis has led to an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes in the country, but research has revealed today that a complete lifestyle overhaul has saved thousands of people being diagnosed with the condition.
The programme, lasting nine months, consists of personalised diet plans, weight loss classes and participants wearing wristbands that monitor their sleeping patterns and how often they eat.
Type 2 diabetes affects more than 4 million people in the UK and the NHS spends more than £10bn dealing with the condition and its various complications, which range from blurry vision to excessive tiredness. One million people have been referred to the programme since its inception in 2016 and the 18.000 fewer cases converts into a 7% reduction in new cases between 2018 and 2019.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the results were “excellent”, further adding that “It’s vital we focus on prevention and provide advice on healthy eating and exercise.”
The research, which is due to be presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference this week, indicates that those who complete the programme reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 37%.
NHS National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, Professor Jonathan Valabhji, said, “The evidence is now clear – the NHS is preventing type 2 diabetes and is helping thousands of people to lead healthier lives.”
Emma McManus, a Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, added: “Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem. According to Diabetes UK, over 4 million people in the UK live with the condition and millions more are at an increased risk of developing it.
“It is a leading cause of sight loss and a major contributor to a range of conditions including kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke.
“However, if you change your lifestyle, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes reduces.
“This is why the National Diabetes Prevention Programme, an evidence-based programme which delivers personalised support on weight management, healthy eating and encouraging physical activity, was set up. Our research has shown that the programme has been successful in reducing the number of new cases of diabetes.”
Tariq Khan, a 35-year-old chef from Birmingham was referred to the programme in late 2019 after a blood test revealed he was at high-risk type 2 diabetes. He said: “The programme has enabled me to get control of my health by making small changes to my lifestyle.
“I’ve learnt so much about how my body works and how the choices I make can affect it.”
