England launches programme to prevent type 2 diabetes

The government has announced the first phase of a new evidence based NHS diabetes prevention programme, which will target up to 10 000 patients at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The programme, a joint initiative between NHS England, Public Health England, and the charity Diabetes UK, aims to significantly reduce the number of people—estimated at four million—in England otherwise expected to develop type 2 diabetes by 2025.

Seven demonstrator sites have been chosen to test new ways to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes through intensive lifestyle change interventions. The programme will then be rolled out nationally from April next year.

The seven sites comprise clinical commissioning group areas and local authorities in Birmingham, Bradford, …