NHS England to offer wearable tech to help people reduce type 2 diabetes risk

[DCUK NewsBot]

Up to 8,000 people deemed to be at high risk of type 2 diabetes will be given fitness trackers as part of an NHS England scheme. Eligible participants will also be offered 24-hour digital coaching, support and education on an app designed to encourage users to set and monitor goals. The NHS has said that providing wearable devices to people would be a "fabulous next step in diabetes prevention". The prevalence of wearable tech has increased in recent years through devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, augmented reality glasses and connected earbuds. Fitbit, Samsung and Garmin are among the prominent manufacturers of fitness trackers, which will be offered as part of the NHS's new scheme. The trackers work through sensors which detect motion and use algorithms to determine how many steps a person has taken. The NHS is looking to expand on successful pilot schemes which saw a major increase in referrals to the Diabetes Prevention Programme. The programme has been rolled out by NHS England and supported by Public Health England and Diabetes UK. A total of 68% of those referred to pilot digital schemes engaged in the programme compared with about half of people offered face-to-face support, with the online method also attracting more interest from younger people. The digital offering will be expanded this month and offered to people who are unable to attend face-to-face sessions. Dr Jenifer Smith, Diabetes Programme Director at Public Health England, said: "The success of the pilot’s early findings shows we are breaking new ground to help those most at risk of type 2 diabetes to literally take their health into their own hands at their own time and pace. Many of us use on-the-go digital technology every day and this is a fabulous next step in diabetes prevention." Diabetes Digital Media's Low Carb Program is already offering online support to those with, and at high risk of, type 2 diabetes. Research published last year revealed that one in four users put type 2 diabetes into remission within one year.

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[jjraak]

Disappointed.

Thought this was libre or similar.

Good idea in essence though, but if I'm honest why wouldn't people who get the dreaded diagnosis buy one anyway.?

And why major manufacturers ?
Had mine, worked perfectly well.
Does all is supposed to to
And cos £24.
Pretty sure the ones mentioned will cost as lot more.

Much prefer that they didn't issue the trackers, but opted instead for the ONE piece of equipment that I consider ESSENTIAL for any type two.

A FULLY funded meter.
Even if it had to be for a limited time,
THAT would offer the best hope that so many others could not only manage their own control of there BG levels.

BUT also alleviate the stress and worry those of us that DO test, suffer when we admit as much to doctors, who then rather then supporting us, admonish us for attempting to control our diabetes in such a way.

Seems pretty obsurd and a vanity project for someone, to go the tracker route first over what is undoubtedly THE best method I can see for getting actual real time assistance, Controlling type 2

What a missed opportunity, but then again after a year of being type 2 and the abominable way it gets treated, in not really surprised.

NHS England, once again looking to be in with a chance of Medals, in the annual "Titanic deck chair arranging " Event