Millions of people at risk from type 2 diabetes could be helped, thanks to a new set of draft guidelines aimed at raising awareness of the warning signs.
Preventing the main causes of type 2 diabetes among people most at risk is the goal of the draft 165-page document produced by NICE (National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence).
The document includes plans for a major programme aimed at identifying, assessing and if necessary treating those aged 25 or over whose age, lifestyle or family background places them at higher risk.
In preparing the document NICE considered expert evidence on what kind of advice would be most effective to help prevent cases of type 2 diabetes increasing as quickly as currently forecast.
If the plans are adopted GPs will be urged to invite at risk people for screening and to intervene in dietary and exercise advice and medication if necessary.
The draft guidelines include advice on lifestyle-change programmes, dietary tips, exercise and weight providing a useful checklist for people who have yet to see a GP but feel they could be at risk.
For more information visit http://guidance.nice.org.uk/PHG/Wave19/62/Consultation/Latest