East of England participants in NHS diabetes weight loss programme lose equivalent of seven ambulances

People from the East of England at risk of developing type 2 diabetes have lost over 30,000kg as part of an NHS programme.

The scheme takes 9-12 months, and is targeted at people whose blood tests have indicated a high chance of developing the disease.

According to the NHS, those who have already taken part from the East have shed the equivalent of seven ambulances' weight.

Nine in ten people with diabetes have type 2, and NHS projections suggest 10% of the population will have it by 2035 if current trends continue.

Nationally, 89,604 people have now finished the programme, losing a combined weight of 185,051kg - which is equivalent to 43 ambulances.