As we're sure you're aware, recent statistics published by NHS England show that a third of those that have sadly died from Coronavirus, also had diabetes. It is important that those at risk of diabetes are staying well and healthy.

We are pleased to confirm that NHSE have changed the eligibility criteria for patients to fast-track onto the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. The programme no longer requires a blood glucose reading, but rather a Diabetes UK risk score of 16+.

The programme is open to those with a risk score of 16+, are aged between 18-79, are not pregnant, and don't currently have diabetes.

The free Healthier You programme provides guidance on improved quality of diet, increase in physical activity and successful weight loss, and is currently being offered over telephone, group video conference, or online through apps and websites.

Eligible participants can sign themselves up to the programme online – as well as being referred by a healthcare professional. The first thing they need to do is find out if they are at high risk of developing the disease by using the Diabetes UK risk tool.