NHS fat-busting courses slash diabetes risk by a fifth and save thousands from the disease every year.
A Manchester University study proved the official prevention programme helps high-risk patients get in shape and boost their health.
Getty – ContributorMillions of Brits are at risk of type 2 diabetes because of their weight[/caption]
Doctors have referred 1.2million overweight Brits to the “Healthier You” support groups since they started in 2016.
People are eligible for the help if they are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can be due to obesity, high blood sugar and high blood pressure.
Use this Diabetes UK tool to check your risk level.
The programme avoided 18,000 type 2 diabetes cases in 2019 and slashed members’ chances of getting it by 20 per cent.
The condition is a top UK health problem, with more than four million cases and patients at higher risk of stroke and heart attack.
NHS diabetes director, Professor Jonathan Valabhji, said: “This is evidence that the NHS is preventing type 2 diabetes and helping hundreds of thousands of people lead healthier lives.”
The Manchester Uni study, published in the journal Plos Medicine, used data from 100,000 GP patients.
It found they lost an average of 2.3kg (5lbs), slashed their blood sugar levels and reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The condition develops when people eat too much sugar, are overweight or don’t do enough exercise.
Most cases can be avoided or reversed by living a healthier lifestyle.
Study author Dr Rathi Ravindrarajah said: “Our findings show that the programme appears to be successful in reducing the progression to type 2 diabetes.”
Health Secretary Steve Barclay added: “Type 2 diabetes costs the NHS around £10billion a year.
“This evidence-based programme is an example of how we can help people make lifestyle changes to prevent the disease progressing, whilst ensuring value for the taxpayer.”