Type 2 diabetes prevention programme shows promise

A national programme designed to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in at-risk individuals shows promise, according to new research. The programme, called Let's Prevent Diabetes, was developed at the Leicester Diabetes Centre. It explains the risks of diabetes, and how making certain lifestyle changes can slow or entirely prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. "The early evidence is very promising because, as the only type 2 diabetes prevention programme specifically developed in the UK, 'Let's Prevent Diabetes' has the potential to really make a difference," said Professor Melanie Davies, of the University of Leicester. "Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition where the body cannot keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range and can cause devastating complications. "The most efficient way to address the problem of diabetes and its complications is to prevent it from developing - taking a proactive rather than reactive approach." Preliminary research indicates that the face-to-face interactions had a positive effect on lifestyle choices. People ate more healthily and reported improved health beliefs and "empowerment." The Leicester Diabetes Centre recently completed a large-scale trial. Conducted over three years, it collected data from around 900 subjects. The results will be analysed and presented later in the year. Currently, the programme is only available in Leicester, but, should the results prove particularly promising, it may soon be rolled out across the country. The findings were published in the Journal of Public Health.

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