Public Health England warns of potential diabetes crisis

Public Health England (PHE) has warned that as many as five million adults in England are in danger of becoming diabetic.

The data analysis from PHE has found that five million adults in England are now pre-diabetic and at risk of contracting type 2 diabetes. Diabetes currently costs the NHS more than £8.8bn each year and causes 22,000 deaths.

The findings have led to more calls for the nation to urgently tackle its growing health crisis and put physical activity at the heart of preventative health schemes.

The NHS is currently developing a Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) to help cut the number of people at risk of developing the disease. The programme, which runs for nine months, will include information, support, group and one-to-one sessions on weight loss, physical activity and diet for patients.

Practitioners, clinicians, academics and the public are currently being consulted on a proposed outline of the programme, with a phased national rollout starting in 2016.

In an effort to help alleviate the pressure on the NHS and to encourage people to develop an active and healthy lifestyle, the physical activity sector has been offering to help facilitate GP referrals.

“We know how to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes: lose weight, exercise and eat healthily, but it’s hard to do it alone,” said Duncan Selbie, chief executive of PHE.

“PHE’s evidence review shows that supporting people along the way will help them protect their health and that’s what our prevention programme will do.”

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