A new programme aimed at reducing the risk of diabetes is to be launched in County Durham.
Durham County Council has been chosen to take part in the first phase of the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, launched as a joint initiative between NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK. The “Just Beat It” initiative aims to significantly reduce the number of people expected to be diagnosed with diabetes by the end of 2015.
The programme, which follows a successful pilot, will target people at high risk of developing the condition and work with them to reduce their risk and delay the onset of type 2 diabetes and associated complications.
It will also look at increasing public awareness of diabetes and the implications of living with the condition. Anna Lynch, Durham County Council’s director of public health, said: “It is estimated that, nationally, within the next 10 years, about four million people will be diagnosed with diabetes.
“The Diabetes Prevention Programme has the potential to significantly reduce this figure and help tackle one of our most serious health conditions.” For more information on the Just Beat It programme, call 0191 569 2847.