This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Five million Brits at risk of diabetes due to obesity and sedentary lifestyles
In response to the increase in diabetes cases, the NHS is planning to roll out a nationwide diet, weight loss and exercise programme.
Duncan Selbie, the PHE chief executive, said: “We know how to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes: lose weight, exercise and eat healthily, but it’s hard to do it alone.”
Selbie said that the prevention programme will be designed to support people and help them to protect their health. GPs have been told to assess all patients over 40 and decide if their weight and general health means they may be at risk. Under the new measures, at risk patients will be given a nine month programme, including group or one-on-one sessions with health trainers, to help them combat obesity and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.
Dr Andrew Lee, NHS Yorkshire and Humber diabetes lead, said: “We have found that it’s the motivational aspect that makes interventions work. This is about offering sustained support over a period of time; motivational coaching, by people with a health trainer background.”
Diabetes costs the NHS more than £8 billion a year, and the new measures are expected to save £3 for every £1 spent.
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, NHS England said: "In my work, I see a huge amount of suffering related to the consequences of our current lifestyles - diabetes is being pushed up by the fact our body weight is going up and up.
"It is causing blindness, kidney disease and other complications, and as well as the human suffering, the cost to the NHS is absolutely massive."
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