In brief: Public Health Jersey has launched a free nine-month Diabetes Prevention Programme for up to 500 islanders identified as having prediabetes. The programme offers personalised coaching on lifestyle, nutrition and wellbeing, delivered face-to-face, digitally and remotely. Eligible residents can self-refer or be referred by their GP at gov.je/jdpp.
Getting ahead of the sugar rush
Prediabetes is one of those conditions that tends to lurk quietly in the background: no dramatic symptoms, no obvious warning signs, just blood sugar levels creeping upward until, for many people, a full type 2 diabetes diagnosis arrives as an unwelcome surprise. Public Health Jersey is hoping to interrupt that journey before it reaches its destination.
The new Jersey Diabetes Prevention Programme, now open to eligible residents, will offer places to up to 500 islanders over the next two years. The nine-month programme is aimed specifically at people whose blood sugar levels are higher than normal but have not yet crossed the threshold for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. The idea is straightforward: catch people early, support them to make lasting changes, and help many of them return to healthy blood sugar levels before the condition takes hold.
What the programme involves
Participants will receive personalised coaching covering physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental health and wellbeing. The programme is delivered by DDM Health and offers a flexible mix of face-to-face, digital and remote support. For those who need it, help is available in Portuguese and other languages. Participants will also have access to the GRO Health app for education and ongoing coaching.
Public Health Jersey interim director Dr Andrea Sanabria said: “Type 2 diabetes can have a significant impact on people’s health, but for many it’s preventable.” She added that early intervention could “support people to live well for longer and reduce the future impact of long-term conditions across our community.”
Diabetes Jersey, which has funded participant resources for the programme, was warm in its welcome. Chairman Bill O’Brien said: “Supporting people identified as having prediabetes to make positive lifestyle changes is an important step in helping Islanders reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Early intervention can make a significant difference to long-term health outcomes.”
Who should come forward
Islanders who have already been diagnosed with prediabetes, or who think they may have it, can be referred by their GP or self-refer directly at gov.je/jdpp. The programme is intended for people who have not already received a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Those who are simply concerned about their risk are encouraged to speak to their GP. People living with obesity, those with a family history of type 2 diabetes, or those with other relevant risk factors may benefit from a blood test to establish where they stand.
Source: Bailiwick Express
