An NHS health programme has saved thousands of people in England from developing type 2 diabetes, new research has revealed.
Researchers at the University of Manchester found that the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme resulted in 18,000 fewer people being diagnosed with the condition between 2018 and 2019.
The nine-month programme involves group weight-loss classes and personalised diet plans.
Participants can also wear wristbands which monitors their sleep and eating habits and allows them to set goals.
One million people have been referred to the scheme since its launch in 2016.
Those who complete the programme reduce their risk of developing the condition by 37 per cent, according to research set to be presented at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference this week.
Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, said the result was ‘excellent,” adding:
“It’s vital we focus on prevention and provide advice on healthy eating and exercise.”
Tariq Khan, 35, was at a high risk of type 2 diabetes when he started the programme in 2019.
The chef from Birmingham has lost more than 13lb (6kg) on the programme.
He said:
“I was eating unhealthily and often very late. The programme has enabled me to get control of my health by making changes to my lifestyle.”
More than 4.9 million people in the UK have type 2 diabetes, according to charity Diabetes UK.
People usually develop the condition over the age of 40 and the risk increases with age.
Individuals are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they are overweight, especially if they carry extra weight around their middle.
Other risk factors for the condition include smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and certain mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression.