GPs in Oxfordshire have started to offer a leading NHS prevention programme to patients identified as being at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Wave 2 of the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) supports people on the cusp of developing Type 2 diabetes to stay fit, well and prevent further deterioration.

GPs in Oxfordshire will be rolling out the programme across the county over the next six months. People referred on to the programme will get free personalised help to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

They will get education on healthy eating and lifestyle choices, reducing weight through bespoke physical exercise programmes and portion control, which together have been proven to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Dr Amar Latif, a GP in Eynsham who is leading the project on behalf of the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “While more people than ever have the condition, Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable.

“This prevention programme, which we are delighted to be rolling out in Oxfordshire, will put people in control of their health. It will help them avoid a disease which can lead to many serious health problems, including heart attacks, stroke and loss of sight.

“Patients in Oxfordshire who might be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes may receive a letter from their GP practice over the next few months inviting them to join the prevention programme, which will be held at venues across the county.”

The programme has been developed by NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK, and was officially launched last year, with the first wave made up of 27 areas and covering 26 million people. The latest national figures reveal just under 50,000 people were referred in Wave 1 and more than 18,000 people were on the programme at the end of April 2017. 

The launch of Wave 2 of the NDPP expects to offer up to 50,000 more places on the programme across the country.