A record 166,360 more adults in England received support last year through an NHS public health program that helps people lose weight and change their lifestyles to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes, new data shows.
Since its launch in 2016, over 900,000 adults at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes have joined the NHS’s Healthier You Programme to improve their health.
Type 2 diabetes can have serious effects on people and their families. It is a leading cause of preventable sight loss among working-age adults. It also contributes to kidney failure, limb amputation, heart attacks, nerve damage, stroke, and several common cancers.
The Healthier You Programme lasts nine months. It offers personalized support either face-to-face or digitally. The focus is on healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular physical activity to stop or delay diabetes.
Research from Manchester University found that completing the programme lowers the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 37%. Participants typically lose about 3.3kg (7.3 pounds).
The NHS in England spends roughly £10.7 billion annually on identifying and treating diabetes, highlighting the economic as well as human impact of the disease.
During Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week 2025 (May 26 to June 1), health leaders are urging people to check their risk of developing the condition.
Dr Clare Hambling, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, said: “Type 2 diabetes and obesity are major health challenges in the UK. It’s great to see this world-leading NHS initiative helping prevent diabetes and enabling hundreds of thousands to live healthier lives.”
She added: “Preventing this life-changing condition through the NHS is remarkable. People should know their risk using the quick ‘Know Your Risk’ online tool or by speaking to their GP.”
The ‘Know Your Risk’ tool, hosted by Diabetes UK, has been used nearly 3.3 million times. It helps people find out their personal risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is mostly preventable through lifestyle changes. Around 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2. In England, about 2 million people are at high risk.
The condition has many risk factors, including age, family history, and ethnicity. However, obesity is the biggest risk factor, accounting for 80-85% of the chance of developing diabetes.
People can join the Healthier You Programme if their blood sugar tests show they are at risk, or they can ask their GP for a referral.
One participant, Graham Lowe, 59, from Four Oaks, West Midlands, shared his experience. After experiencing pain and medical tests, he learned he was close to developing Type 2 diabetes. He joined the programme soon after.
Since completing it, Graham’s blood sugar level dropped from near diabetic levels, and his blood pressure and cholesterol improved. He lost nearly 4.25 stone (about 27 kg), dropping from 17 stone 9 lbs to 13.5 stone.
Graham said: “My father has Type 2 diabetes, so I knew how hard it can be. When my GP told me I was pre-diabetic, I acted quickly. I joined the NHS Healthier You Programme, changed my diet, and increased my exercise.”
He added: “I stopped eating sweets and now exercise regularly. I used to bring doughnuts to work, now I drink green tea.”
Graham urged others, especially men, to get tested if they have symptoms like fatigue or thirst. “Treat your body like your car – get regular check-ups.”
Nearly half (45%) of programme participants are men, which is higher than usual for weight loss groups.
The programme is offered both in-person and digitally. Digital users get similar support through apps, wearable devices, online coaching, and peer groups.
Douglas Twenefour, Head of Clinical at Diabetes UK, said: “Millions in the UK have prediabetes. The NHS Healthier You Programme is vital for reducing Type 2 diabetes and its complications.”
He praised the ‘Know Your Risk’ tool as a great first step to understanding and lowering one’s risk.
Health officials stress that combining healthy eating, weight control, and exercise can prevent Type 2 diabetes and reduce the need for medication.
Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said: “Prevention is better than treatment. Tackling causes like obesity and inactivity helps fight heart disease and diabetes.”
She added: “It’s encouraging to see so many people taking part in this successful programme. We are also working to restrict junk food ads, limit fast food access for schoolchildren, and encourage sugar reduction in drinks.”
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