People in Lincolnshire are being urged to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes by making some simple changes to their lifestyle, during Diabetes Awareness Week which runs from 10 to 16 June. According to the National Diabetes Audit, there were 53,000 people diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in Lincolnshire in 2023.
Research has consistently shown that combined lifestyle interventions – including nutritional education and increased physical activity – leading to sustained weight loss – can be effective in reducing the risk of Type 2 Diabetes by about 50%.
Over 16,500 people in Lincolnshire have been given the opportunity to help prevent developing Type 2 Diabetes thanks to the world leading NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme since its introduction in 2016.
In Lincolnshire over 11,000 people have engaged with the programme since it was first launched in 2016. Patients achieve an average weight loss of 3.2kg within six months of attending their first session. With regards to updated figures-
Type 2 Diabetes attributes to around one in eight deaths in people aged between 20 and 79 years and this figure is expected to rise. Average life expectancy can be reduced by up to 10 years in people with the condition.
Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can have a devastating impact on people and their families – it is a leading cause of preventable sight loss in people of working age and is a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and many of the common types of cancer.
Black and South Asian people have a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes after the age of 25, compared with those from a White background where risk increases after the age of 40.
Anyone at high risk of developing the condition may be eligible to join their local NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, a joint initiative from NHS England, Public Health and Diabetes UK.
People can contact their GP Practice for more information. There are over 400 groups in existence across Lincolnshire. Patients can also self-refer and take part, by following the link: Register for the Diabetes Prevention Programme – Preventing Diabetes (preventing-diabetes.co.uk) or calling: 0333 577 3010.
Dr Sunil Hindocha, GP and Clinical Lead for NHS Lincolnshire ICB said:
“There are several risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes, some of which, such as your age or your family history that can’t be changed. However, there are other risk factors such as your weight which are very much in your control – indeed, the risk of Type 2 Diabetes can be reduced by getting support to lose weight, getting more physically active and eating healthy food.
“It’s very important that you find out if you are at high risk of Type 2 Diabetes so you can get support to lower your risk. You may also be eligible to sign up for your free local NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
“The programme provides personalised support to help people achieve a healthy weight, improve their diet and become more physically active, all together which have been shown to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Already living with Type 2 Diabetes?
A new programme in Lincolnshire is now available for people who are living with Type 2 Diabetes and obesity or overweight. It is known as the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme (T2DR).
The programme is based on research showing that a 3-month specially formulated diet comprising of total diet replacement products including soups and shakes, followed by healthy lifestyle support helped people living with Type 2 Diabetes and obesity or overweight to lose over 10kg in weight, improve their blood sugar levels, reduce Diabetes-related medication and, in almost half of participants, put their Type 2 Diabetes into remission.
How it works
Eligible participants will be offered low calorie, total diet replacement products including soups and shakes consisting of 800 to 900 kilocalories a day for 12 weeks. During this time, participants will replace all normal meals with these products.
Alongside this, participants will receive support and monitoring for 12 months including help to re-introduce food after the initial 12-week period. Participants will have the choice to receive this support from a coach in-person or digitally. The programme is fully funded by the NHS, therefore it is free to take part in.
Participants will also be closely supported by their local GP practice – for example, if medicines need to be changed.
Who is eligible and how to access the service
The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme will not be suitable for everyone and there are some eligibility requirements that people must meet to be involved. These include that individuals must:
- be aged 18 – 65 years,
- have a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes within the last 6 years, and
- have a BMI over 27 kg/m2 (where individuals are from White ethnic groups) or over 25 kg/m2 (where individuals are from Black, Asian and other ethnic groups)
- not already be on insulin
If you are interested in joining the programme, you can discuss your individual circumstances with your GP or Diabetes team at your next appointment to find out whether it is suitable for you.
To find out more, visit T2DR Patient Information | Xyla Services. Here you will find useful information about the programme including a short video.