Health

NHS diabetes diet: Patients lose 30,000 stone on new scheme


This year, the scheme will more than double in size to support around 200,000 people every year. Professor Jonathan Valabhji, the NHS’s national clinical director for obesity and diabetes, said the programme’s success was “encouraging”, but warned there is more work to be done to tackle obesity. He said: “Around two thirds of adults and a third of children are now overweight or obese, driving higher and higher rates of Type 2 diabetes that we are now focusing huge efforts to prevent as part of our NHS Long Term Plan. 

“Helping people avoid diabetes is potentially life-saving, so these results are encouraging. 

“But ultimately, the NHS cannot win the fight against obesity alone, which is why we are providing people with the tools to help themselves – changing lives and freeing up vital NHS resources.” 

Around four million people in the UK live with Type 2 diabetes and the condition and its complications cost the NHS more than £10billion to treat every year. 

Estimates suggest the growing number of people affected could result in almost 39,000 diabetics suffering a heart attack and more than 50,000 strokes in 2035. 

The nine to 12-month programme is designed to stop or delay the onset of the illness by helping patients make vital lifestyle changes. 

Helen Dickens, Diabetes UK’s assistant director of policy and campaigns, said: “The number of people who are living with obesity in England has almost doubled in the last 20 years. As obesity accounts for 80 to 85 percent of your risk of Type 2 diabetes, programmes such as these are key to helping people prevent or delay the onset of the condition. 

“The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, however, is so much more than just a weight loss programme. It has helped thousands of people find out more about their risk of Type 2 diabetes, as well as take action to reduce it.” 

She added: “It’s important to remember that weight is just one of the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. 

“Others include ethnicity, family history and age. 

“We recommend everyone to use our free Know Your Risk tool to find out your risk of Type 2 diabetes.” 

Public health minister Jo Churchill said: “The NHS is leading the way in tackling Type 2 diabetes through this groundbreaking national programme, which is already seeing encouraging results. 

“Diabetes can have devastating consequences, but with this innovative service we can support people to make necessary lifestyle choices and take control of their health.” 

Last year the NHS launched a range of digital devices to help more people benefit from the programme, including a wearable exercise monitor and an app to access health coaches and online support groups. 

They were taken up by nearly seven in 10 people, compared with about 50 per cent offered face-to-face support, NHS England said. 



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