Diabetes prevention continues thanks to virtual meetings

A national programme to prevent residents in Lancashire and South Cumbria from developing diabetes has continued to provide support throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic thanks to remote meeting roll-out.

Every two minutes someone finds out that they have Type 2 diabetes. 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK. This figure has more than doubled since 1996, when there were 1.4 million. If current trends persist one in five people will develop Type 2 diabetes by 2025.

The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) is a service that helps people to put their health back into their hands and reduce the risk of developing this very serious health condition

Normally the programme involves a series of face to face group sessions but during the pandemic this has not been possible. Instead, the operators of the programme, Ingeus, has taken steps to set up virtual meetings using online technology.

Using online technology more than 200 people have been able to attend meetings from their own homes since March and have reported high levels of satisfaction with 96 per cent saying they have been able to achieve their personal goals and reduce their likelihood of developing diabetes.

Dr Neil Hartley-Smith, Clinical director for Fylde Coast Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) said:

“Diabetes Week is a great opportunity for us to encourage people who are at risk of developing the condition to take part in the diabetes programme. People identified by their GP are offered tailored support and advice to avoid the potentially life-threatening condition.

Online routine discussions with GPs, a dedicated helpline for those treated with insulin and the prevention programme’s remote delivery are just a few of the measures that the NHS has adopted to make sure that diabetes care can go ahead as usual. The NHS is here to support to help and support people to prevent and manage their diabetes.”

The NHS helps people prevent, support and manage their diabetes. The NHS has adopted a host of measures to make sure that diabetes care can go ahead as usual, including online routine discussions with GPs and a dedicated helpline for those treated with insulin. The prevention programme aims to help people at risk of diabetes avoid the condition.