The Healthier You: Diabetes Prevention Programme provider, Ingeus UK, are working with GPs to help people across the Black Country and West Birmingham reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The programme, which gives advice on dieting, exercise and healthy lifestyle, is being doubled in size over the next few years as part of the NHS Long Term Plan’s renewed focus on prevention. More capacity means more people can receive support and delay or hopefully prevent developing Type 2 diabetes.

The long-term aims of the NHS DPP are:

• To reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes;
• To reduce the incidence of complications associated with diabetes - heart, stroke, kidney, eye and foot problems related to diabetes; and
• Over the longer term, to reduce health inequalities associated with incidence of diabetes.

Across the Black Country and West Birmingham, it is estimated that around 120,000 people are living with Type 2 diabetes, which is closely linked to obesity, and there is strong evidence that in many it could be prevented or delayed.

A lack of exercise, poor diet and being overweight are all risk factors for developing the disease. Patients who are ‘at risk’ will be identified by GPs and referred into the programme, which is designed to prevent or delay onset of Type 2 diabetes through a range of personalised lifestyle interventions, including:

• Education on lifestyle choices
• Advice on how to reduce weight through healthier eating
• Bespoke physical activity programmes

Across the Black Country and West Birmingham there are over 11,769 places available over the next three years. 

Are you at risk?

To find out if you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes go to www.diabetes.org.uk/riskscore

For more information go to 

Website: https://www.england.nhs.uk/diabetes/

Social Media: @NHSDiabetesProg 

Please view the Diabetes Prevention Programme – A Recipe for Success case study