Gloucestershire is one of 13 new areas to offer an NHS prevention programme to patients identified as being at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The Healthier You Programme, which is run collaboratively by NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK, supports people who are on the cusp of getting type 2 diabetes by helping them to stay well and reduce the risk of the condition becoming more serious.

Patients referred to the programme will get specific, personalised support, including education on eating healthily, making sensible lifestyle choices and maintaining a healthy weight.

The initiative is being trialled initially in three Gloucestershire GP practices. Patients will be contacted by their surgery if they are identified as being at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and invited to participate.

It is anticipated that the programme will be rolled out across the rest of the county over the next year or so.