Programme eligibility criteria has been expanded for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme to include women with a past diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and a normoglycaemic blood reading within the last 12 months (temporarily extended to 24 months). 

Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) is a face-to-face and tailored behavioural change programme available to people who are found to be pre-diabetic on their blood tests (HbA1c 42-47 mmol/mol) or patients with a past diagnosis of GDM. Due to Covid-19 this service is currently being delivered remotely, through telephone, group video conference and internet resources.  

The nine-month programme offers patients advice on diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle through a range of support including sessions, motivational interviewing and digital elements including an app with videos. 

Patients that are unable to obtain a blood test due to Covid-19 can now self-refer by completing the Know Your Risk tool. Participants with a score of 16+ are eligible to register. Get more information

Many people who are eligible for the programme do not speak English as a first language and, as such, should not be referred through mail-shots. See Downloads for leaflets in other languages.

IT Tools are available to support the referral of patients to the programme.

CPD-accredited Training

The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has developed an e-learning module on the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme for GPs, practice nurses and other practice staff. The free 30-minute module is CPD-accredited and covers: 

• what non-diabetic hyperglycaemia is
• what the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is
• how it works
• who is eligible

It can be accessed by creating a free account on the RCGP learning site. 

Eligibility criteria

Inclusions

• aged 18 and over
• women with a past diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and a normoglycaemic blood reading within the last 12 months (temporarily extended to 24 months until 1 April 2022) (see attached FAQ on GDM inclusion from NHS England)
• registered with a north central London STP GP practice
• not pregnant
• able to take part in light/moderate physical activity
• HbA1c between 42-47 mmol/mol (6.0-6.4%) or Fasting Plasma Glucose between 5.5-6.9 mmols/l within the last 24 months
• eligible participants are now able to self-refer to the programme online if they have a Diabetes UK risk score of 16+ which can be calculated by using the Know Your Risk tool. Healthcare professional referrals are still preferred.

How to refer

The following clinicians can refer to this service: GPs, Nurses, Any HCP can refer as long as they have a valid HbA1c for the patient (taken within previous 24 months)

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