A record-breaking 166,360 adults in England joined the NHS’s flagship Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme last year, according to newly released data.
The initiative, which helps people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes make lasting lifestyle changes, has now supported over 900,000 people since its launch in 2016.
The programme offers personalised support over nine months, helping participants adopt healthier eating habits, maintain a healthy weight, and increase physical activity—either through face-to-face sessions or a digital platform.
Type 2 diabetes is a largely preventable condition but remains one of the UK’s most serious public health challenges. It is a leading cause of:
- Preventable sight loss in working-age adults
- Kidney failure, limb amputation, heart attacks, and strokes
- Increased risk of nerve damage and certain cancers
The NHS currently spends around £10.7 billion annually on diabetes care in England alone.
Research from the University of Manchester shows that completing the Healthier You Programme reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 37%, with participants losing an average of 3.3kg.
Notably, 45% of participants are men—a significantly higher proportion than typical weight loss programmes, highlighting the programme’s broad appeal.
NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity, Dr Clare Hambling, said:
“Type 2 Diabetes and obesity are both major public health challenges for this country, so it is great to see that this world-leading NHS initiative is preventing Type 2 diabetes – and empowering hundreds of thousands of people across England to lead healthier lives.
“Having the opportunity to prevent this life-altering condition via the NHS is remarkable, but it is also important that people are aware of their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The Know Your Risk online tool is a quick and easy way of calculating your chance of getting Type 2 diabetes or you can always speak with your GP.”
The digital version of the programme includes:
- Wearable tech to track activity
- Access to online health coaches
- Peer support groups
- Goal-setting and progress tracking tools
With 2 million people in England currently at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, health leaders are urging the public to assess their risk and take action during Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week 2025.
Obesity remains the single greatest risk factor, accounting for up to 85% of the risk of developing the condition. Other risk factors include age, family history, and ethnicity.
Image credit: iStock
