'Boot camps' launched to reduce type 2 diabetes risk

Overweight and obese people could be sent to boot camps to learn how to lose weight and exercise and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The first wave of lifestyle change programmes to prevent type 2 diabetes will start today, NHS England said.

GPs can refer patients who are at high risk of developing the condition to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

The scheme will initially be available for 20,000 people across 27 areas of England which will be followed by a national roll-out by 2020.

Participants in the nine-month programmes will be given 13 personalised sessions of healthy eating classes and bespoke exercise programmes to help them lose weight.

Type 2 diabetes is linked to obesity. Credit: PA

Type 2 diabetes, which affects more than 2.6 million people in England, is linked to obesity and often preventable through lifestyle changes.

NHS England chief executive, Simon Stevens said approximately 500 people every day find out they have developed the condition which is serious but preventable.

"By offering targeted support for at-risk individuals, the NHS is now playing our 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, boss of the charity Diabetes UK, said the move was a "significant step in the right direction".

He added: "This will provide them with the best possible chance of reducing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and living a long full healthier life."

  • Key facts about diabetes:

  • There are 4 million people with diabetes in the UK - 90% of these have type 2 diabetes.

  • Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce any insulin and type 2 happens when it doesn't produce enough or the body's cells fail to react to it.

  • Type 2 is linked to being overweight or obese and can often be prevented through leading a healthy lifestyle.

  • If current obesity trends continue, one in three people will be obese by 2034 and one in 10 is likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

  • The risk of devloping type 2 diabetes could be reduced by eating a healthy diet, losing weight, stopping smoking, drinking in moderation and performing regular exercise.

  • Complications associated with diabetes include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, eye disease, depression, neuropathy and amputation.