Introducing the new All Wales Diabetes Prevention Programme
Wales has the highest rate of diabetes in the UK and the impact of type 2 diabetes on the health and wellbeing of individuals and their families is severe, with a financial cost accounting for around 10% of the NHS budget.
The good news is that for those who are at increased risk of diabetes or who are already diagnosed with “prediabetes”, key changes to diet and level of physical activity could prevent over half of type 2 diabetes cases.
The All Wales Diabetes Prevention Programme (AWDPP) has been launched offering targeted support to identify and help those at risk. A local dietitian, in partnership with general practices, will identify eligible people in Powys. Most people who have had a blood test that shows that they are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (HbA1c between 42-47mmol/mol) will be invited to attend a 30-minute consultation with a trained healthcare support worker.
The healthcare support worker will talk with people about their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and what they can do to reduce it. They may also refer them to additional sources of support from which they could benefit and a follow-up appointment will take place around 12 months later.