NHS 'boot camps' to help those at risk of type-2 diabetes

A new national programme aimed at tackling the onset of type-2 diabetes has been announced by NHS England.

Health experts believe the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which is linked to lifestyle, could be reduced by eating a healthy diet, drinking in moderation and performing regular exercise.

GPs will be asked to refer patients who are at a high risk of the disease to the new programme, which will consist of 13 sessions focusing on exercise, education and lifestyle changes.

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"Diabetes boot camp" will be on offer in 27 areas, covering half the country, with the aim of helping 20,000 people this year before a full national rollout by 2020.

Welcoming the initiative, Public Health England chief executive Duncan Selbie told the BBC: "Type-2 diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges of our time."

At the moment, around 2.6 million people suffer from the illness and that number is believed to be on the rise. Unlike type-1 diabetes, type-2 can often be prevented as it can be linked to lifestyle.

"If current obesity trends continue, one in three people will be obese by 2034 and one in ten is likely to develop type-2 diabetes," reports ITV News.

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said the new programme would reduce hospital admissions as well as act as an excellent preventative measure against the obesity epidemic.

"By offering targeted support for at-risk individuals, the NHS is now playing its part in the wider campaign against obesity, which is already costing the country more than we spend on the police and fire service combined," he said.

Chris Askew, the chief executive of Diabetes UK, said the programme would benefit the large number of people at risk of developing the illness.

"This will provide them with the best possible chance of reducing their risk of developing diabetes and living a long, full, healthier life," he said.