Diabetes Prevention Programme Rolled Out Across NI

A new programme aimed at tackling the increasing pressures of type 2 diabetes has been launched by the Public Health Agency (PHA).

Those who have been identified as pre-diabetic, including anyone with blood sugar levels above the normal range, can avail of the new Diabetes Prevention Programme which offers advice on lifestyle adaptations to slow and prevent the onset of the disease.

Approximately 96,000 people in Northern Ireland are currently living with the disease, a startling increase of 69.3% since 2007. 90% of all patients suffer from the "serious and progressive" form, known as type 2.

Diabetes can lead to early loss of life, cause preventable sight loss in working age people, and is a major contributor to kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and even amputation. Despite this, the illness is often preventable by adopting healthier lifestyle changes.

Trudy Brown, Regional Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Programme Manager at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: "Often, by making simple changes to lifestyle, losing weight, adopting a healthier diet and increasing physical activity, people can alter a type 2 diabetes diagnosis or at least postpone it significantly."

62-year-old Margaret McAllister, a participant on the Newtownards programme, discovered she was pre-diabetic via a routine blood test. She said: "Being diagnosed as pre-diabetic was a shock but also an important warning call. I was then given an opportunity to take part in the Diabetes Prevention Programme. The facilitators offer advice and support to help you make changes to your lifestyle and I quickly realised I was eating all the wrong foods and also too much of them. I'm six weeks into the programme and I've already lost a stone, I'm feeling better, my concentration levels have heightened and I feel fitter and well. I would urge everyone to go on the programme. It literally has changed my life."

Diabetes UK Assistant Director for Local Impact, Dr David Chaney, added: "We only have to look at the startling yearly increase in number of people being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes to know that we cannot ignore this very serious condition. We know that three in five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by eating well, being active and achieving a healthy weight, so there is hope for the future. The more we know about diabetes the better we can fight it together, so find out if you are at risk and ask about your local Diabetes Prevention Programme."

The initiative is now up and running across all five trust areas. Patients can be referred to it by a nurse, pharmacist or doctor and will be assisted by health coaches who advise on various diet and physical activity adjustments. It is delivered over a nine month period and is free of charge.

More information can be gained by emailing your local Health Trust.



(JG/CM)