Local people taking part in a new programme to tackle Type 2 diabetes will be supported to make healthier lifestyle choices to reduce their risk of developing the disease.
The east London area, which includes clinical commissioning groups and local authorities in Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Hackney and the City of London, is one of 27 areas across the country to be chosen to be part of the first wave rollout of the ‘Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme’.
The programme, which aims to stop people at high risk of Type 2 diabetes from developing it, will be delivered by Reed Momenta, a leading provider of lifestyle and wellbeing programmes designed to help people improve their health.
Type 2 diabetes is largely caused by lifestyle factors – such as poor diet, lack of exercise and being overweight – and many cases are preventable. Currently, 5 million people in England are at high risk of developing the disease, and if current trends persist, one in ten people will have Type 2 diabetes by 2034. Every year Type 2 diabetes costs the NHS £8.8 billion, which equates to almost 9% of its budget and causes 22,000 early deaths per year.
Dr Shahzada Khan, a local GP and clinical lead for diabetes, said on behalf of the east London area:
“We’re really excited to be part of this programme and to be working together across the east London area to help people to take greater control of their own health and wellbeing. We know that high rates of Type 2 diabetes are a big issue locally and we’re looking forward to working with Reed Momenta to offer people the support they need to make healthy changes to their lifestyle.”
Martin Fallon, Managing Director of Reed Momenta, said:
“We are delighted to have been chosen to provide lifestyle interventions for the people of east London with the aim of helping at risk people make healthier choices about how they exercise and what they eat.”
If you have previously been told by your GP that you are at high risk of developing diabetes, please contact your GP for advice on how to access these lifestyle support services.