July 2023
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for writing to me with regard to the Diabetes UK reception that was hosted in Parliament recently, on the very worthy subject of the impact of disruptions to those who suffer from diabetes.
As your Member of Parliament, I want to try to ensure the right level of support and care for all those who suffer from its effect.
As I am sure you will know, diabetes is a leading cause of premature mortality, doubling an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease. It costs over £10 billion every year to manage and results in over 22,000 additional deaths each year. That is why I agree that it is essential that people with diabetes can access the routine care and support they require.
The NHS since 2015 has been operating a Diabetes Prevention Programme to identify people who are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and refers them onto a nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme. The latest figures, published in February 2023, show a 20% reduction in the risk of diabetes for those who have been referred to the programme, compared with those who have not.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to me about this important issue.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Lord MP
Member of Parliament for Woking