Prevention drive set to target 100,000 people

A major type 2 diabetes prevention drive is set to help 100,000 people once it is rolled out nationally, according to a leading doctor for the condition.

It is the first time Professor Jonathan Valabhji, who is NHS England’s national clinical director for obesity and diabetes, has indicated how many people the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) is aiming to reach.

Professor Valabhji said: “Tackling obesity and diabetes is one of the biggest healthcare challenges of our time and the numbers with type 2 diabetes are rising.

“That’s why the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is crucial. Roll-out has begun and once fully rolled out we expect up to 100,000 people a year will be referred and offered intensive support to help avoid developing type 2 diabetes with its potentially devastating consequences.”

Monitoring methods

As part of the scheme there are currently seven demonstrator sites involved, targeting people in those communities who are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The sites are refining the programmes and monitoring methods before the scheme becomes nationwide.

Mr Valabhji made the comments in response to the recent type 2 diabetes figures, which were released on Monday by Diabetes UK.

The leading charity said the GP patient data showed that 4.05 million people have the condition in the UK, which includes 3.5 million adults who have been diagnosed.

The NHS DPP is a joint commitment from NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK. Its aim is to deliver at scale evidence-based behavioural interventions for individuals identified as being at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and believed to be an important first step in the prevention of type 2.