Diabetes prevention

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can sometimes be prevented by simple lifestyle and dietary changes.

Developing diabetes can lead to more serious complications including heart disease and with millions at risk, there are ways you can reduce the possibility of this.

It’s very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it’s likely to get worse if left untreated and can cause long-term health problems.

You may be more at risk of type 2 diabetes if you:

are living with overweight or obesity
do not have a healthy diet
have a family history of type 2 diabetes
are of Asian, Black African or African Caribbean origin
take certain medicines such as steroids for a long time
have high blood pressure
have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy

You can get more information about steps you could take to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes on the Diabetes UK website.

Once managed effectively, many people lead a healthy, active life.

NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP), also known as the Healthier You programme, helps people who have been told by their GP, nurse or another healthcare professional that they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The programme provides you with personalised support through meetings and information to give you the confidence, knowledge, and ability to make good lifestyle choices. It takes place over nine months.

The programme includes information on:

diet and healthy eating
managing stress and your emotional wellbeing
physical activity
weight monitoring and why it is necessary

To join the free programme, you need to ask your GP or healthcare professional for a referral. Once your referral has been received, you’ll have a one-to-one telephone assessment with a coach. During this, you will find out more about the programme and be offered the choice of how you take part:

Face-to-face in groups at a local community venue or GP practice
One-to-one coaching provided digitally via an app on a phone or tablet

Places are limited so you’re recommended to accept your invitation as soon as your coach contacts you.

Find out more about the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in our area

Gestational diabetes self-referral pathway

This programme from Healthier You NDPP is for people who have previously had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

GDM is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Whilst it typically resolves after childbirth, it can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The programme is designed to help those eligible to manage their health and prevent type 2 diabetes, as well as GDM in any future pregnancies.

The 13 session programme takes place over nine months. It offers the motivation, resources, advice and support for positive lifestyle changes. The programme will cover: