Douglas Twenefour from Diabetes UK emphasized the critical need for care and treatment for millions living with prediabetes to lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The NHS Healthier You Programme offers personalized support on healthy eating and physical activity over a nine-month period, aiming to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 37%.

In 2024, a record 166,360 adults in England participated in the NHS Healthier You Programme, contributing to over 900,000 participants since its launch in 2016.

Research indicates that completing the NHS initiative can significantly lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 37%.

Key risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, ethnic background, family history, and activity levels, with obesity being the greatest risk factor.

Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include fatigue, excessive thirst, and frequent urination.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin does not function properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.

Approximately 4.8 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, costing the health service around £10.7 billion annually.

Health Minister Ashley Dalton highlighted the importance of prevention over treatment, particularly in addressing obesity and inactivity to combat type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Clare Hambling of NHS England noted that the initiative empowers individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices and encourages awareness of diabetes risk through online tools.