An NHS behaviour-change programme has been linked to a significant reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in adults with raised blood sugar levels.
The analysis, carried out by researchers at University of Manchester researchers, showed that the risk of Diabetes progression was 20 per cent lower in people with pre-diabetes referred to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) when compared to similar patients not referred to NDPP.
The research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and hosted by Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Rathi Ravindrarajah from The University of Manchester said:
“Our findings show that the NDPP appears to be successful in reducing the progression from non-diabetic hyperglycaemia to Type 2 Diabetes.
“Even though we were only able to examine referral to the programme, rather than attendance or completion, it still showed a significant reduction in risk of 20 per cent.
“That suggests the decision to implement programme quickly and at scale in England was the right one.”
The NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme in England is offered to non-diabetic adults with raised blood sugars, also called pre-diabetes, providing exercise and dietary advice to help reduce people’s risk of developing the disease.
Across the 2,209 GP practices for which the researchers had data, more than 700,000 people were identified with pre-diabetes and around 100,000 had a code in their health records indicating they were referred to the programme.
A total of 18,470 patients referred to NDPP were matched to 51,331 similar patients not referred to NDPP.
The probability of converting to Type 2 Diabetes at 36 months after referral was 12.7 per cent for those referred to the NDPP and 15.4 per cent for those not referred to the NDPP.
Most of the previous trial results have shown that weight loss is the key factor in reducing risk of the disease, alongside increased BMI.
Professor Evangelos Kontopantelis from The University Manchester said:
“Type 2 diabetes is a major public health concern which has been rising globally, with over 3 million people in the UK currently diagnosed with it.
“Previous studies have shown that both lifestyle modifications through diet and physical activity and medication can prevent progression to this condition.
”This study is good news for the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme which we show beyond doubt is a powerful way to protect your health.”
NHS national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, Professor Jonathan Valabhji, sffrf:
“This important study is further evidence that the NHS is preventing type 2 diabetes and helping hundreds of thousands of people across England to lead healthier lives.
“We completed roll out of the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in 2018, and now over 1.2m people have been offered support with lifestyle changes including better quality nutrition, weight loss, and increased physical activity, which this study shows is preventing development of this life-changing condition.
“You can easily check your risk through the Diabetes UK ‘Know Your Risk’ tool.”
