To help people in Cornwall lead healthier lives, NHS England has announced the expansion of a diabetes prevention programme.

Simon Stevens, head of NHS England, has announced that the new programme will be available to patients at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is part of a wider package of measures that help people with the condition, and those on the cusp of it, to stay fit and prevent further deterioration.

Local people referred on to the programme will get tailored help, including advice on healthy eating and lifestyle choices, to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

The programme, which is run collaboratively by NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK, was officially launched last year.

The first wave was made up of 27 areas, which covered 26 million people, and now a further 13 areas, including Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, have been announced.

Wave two areas will cover a further 25 per cent of the population, with an estimated 130,000 referrals and up to 50,000 additional places made available thanks to the expansion.

Early analysis is positive and suggests that just under half of those taking up the programme are men, a much higher proportion that traditional weight loss programmes.

In Cornwall, 28,000 people have an impaired glucose level, an indicator that they are at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Simon said: “With more than 18,000 people in England having already started our diabetes prevention programme, the NHS is doing its bit but this is a battle we cannot win alone.”

Dr Caroline Court, interim director of Public Health, said: “This is a great example of why prevention is a key part of our Shaping the Future plans.

“Helping people before they need medical intervention and drugs not only improves a patient’s life but has cost benefit to our NHS.

“Type 2 diabetes is the fastest growing health problem in the UK with potentially devastating consequences for individuals and for the NHS.

“This is a great opportunity to reverse the trend in Cornwall and to help people improve their health.”

Dr Alison Flanagan, GP and clinical lead for Long Term Conditions for NHS Kernow, said: “The good news is that in many cases, type 2 diabetes is a preventable illness.

“Alterations in lifestyle such as care with diet, increasing physical activity and reducing weight can reduce the risk of becoming diabetic.

“This programme gives us the opportunities to support people to make these changes.”

Jaine Keable, senior manager for LWTC, said: “LWTC is delighted to be working with community partners and with Kernow CCG and health professionals throughout Cornwall to encourage a positive change in people’s lives which will reduce or reverse their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

“Putting prevention in place before T2 Diabetes occurs simply makes sense.”