Study shows educations power to prevent Type 2 diabetes

People at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can reduce their chances of getting the condition by more than 80 per cent by fully completing a new education programme, an NIHR-supported study has found.

The new group education programme called Let’s Prevent Diabetes, developed by the Leicester Diabetes Centre, could lead to “large reductions in cases of Type 2 diabetes” to ease pressure on the NHS amid soaring numbers of the condition.

Full attendance on the programme, which includes a main session and two follow ups over a two-year period, results in an 88 per cent risk reduction, while people who only missed one follow up session were 60 per cent less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes.

Professor Melanie Davies CBE, Professor of Diabetes Medicine based at the Leicester Diabetes Centre, who has led the development of Let’s Prevent Diabetes, said: “These types of programmes, if applied correctly, are powerful and have the ability to enhance and improve people’s lifestyle. This programme has the potential to bring large reductions in cases of Type 2 diabetes."