Diabetes Support

5 NHS Diabetes Support Programmes That Could Change Your Health Journey

Every week, more people in the UK are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are told they are at risk. The good news? The NHS has made huge strides in early detection, prevention, and long-term management. But with so much information out there, it can be confusing to know what help is available and where to start.

In this post, I will share five powerful NHS programmes and services that are helping people across the UK manage or even reverse diabetes, plus how I support women to put that information into action for real, lasting results through a natural, holistic approach.

1. Healthier You: The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme

If you have been told you are “at risk” of developing type 2 diabetes, your GP may refer you to this free, evidence-based programme. It is designed to help people make practical, lasting changes to their diet, activity levels, and weight management.

  • It is usually a 9-month structured programme, delivered in groups or digitally.
  • It helps participants cut their risk of type 2 diabetes by up to one-third.
  • Nearly one million people have taken part since 2016.

This is one of the best starting points if you are prediabetic or borderline diabetic.

👉 Action: Ask your GP for a referral or check your eligibility on the NHS website.

2. Structured Education for People Already Diagnosed

If you have already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you should be offered a structured education course, ideally within the first year.

These courses help you:

  • Understand your condition and treatment.
  • Learn how your lifestyle, food choices, and daily activity affect your blood sugar.
  • Build confidence in managing your health naturally and consistently.

They might be held in-person or online and are run by local NHS diabetes teams. They are proven to improve blood sugar control, reduce complications, and empower people to take ownership of their health.

3. Regular Health Checks and Care Processes

People with diabetes should receive nine essential care processes each year. These include checks on your:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Kidney function
  • Feet
  • Eyes
  • HbA1c (average blood sugar)

These regular reviews help your healthcare team to spot potential problems early and support you in managing your condition effectively. If you have not received all of them, it is perfectly fine to ask your GP, as you are entitled to these checks every year.

4. NHS Path to Remission and Weight Management Programmes

The NHS now offers Type 2 Diabetes Remission programmes in many parts of England—particularly for those who have been recently diagnosed. These structured plans include a temporary meal-replacement phase, followed by a gradual return to whole, balanced foods that help the body restore its natural balance.

The NHS has also expanded its range of digital tools and weight management apps that support people in tracking their progress, staying active, and maintaining healthy habits from home.

5. The NHS Digital Revolution in Diabetes Care

Technology is now a significant part of diabetes management. From continuous glucose monitors and smartphone apps to online coaching and virtual education courses, the NHS is embracing digital tools to make care more personalised and accessible.

If you have not been offered digital support yet, speak to your GP or explore NHS-approved apps like mySugr, Gro Health, or Oviva, which are designed to help you manage your health more easily.

A Personal Note from Me

I have seen the difference these programmes can make, both personally and professionally. As someone who reversed my own type 2 diabetes naturally and later served on the NHS Diabetes Lived Experience Advisory Group Panel for two years, I had the privilege of being a voice for better services and more holistic support.

It is encouraging to see how far the NHS has come in prioritising prevention and empowering people to take charge of their health, and I am genuinely pleased to see these improvements taking shape.

The Gaps: Where Many People Still Struggle

Even with all these services available, many people still feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsupported. Some of the common challenges include:

  • Information overload – so much advice, not all of it clear or realistic.
  • Mindset and motivation – knowing what to do is one thing; doing it consistently is another.
  • Waiting times and local variation – not all areas offer the same level of support.
  • Lifestyle challenges – stress, work, habits, and emotions all play a role in daily choices.

That is where I believe community and coaching-style support can make all the difference.

How I Support You Beyond the NHS

At AR Holistic Health & Fitness, I help women over 40—especially those with prediabetes or type 2—to take the information they have been given and turn it into actionable daily habits.

Through my programmes and community support, we focus on:

  • Building a balanced plate that keeps blood sugar stable.
  • Creating fitness routines that suit your lifestyle and level.
  • Strengthening your mindset and discipline so that habits stick.
  • Developing self-awareness to prevent relapse and overwhelm.
  • Staying accountable with a supportive group of like-minded women.

My approach focuses on natural, sustainable lifestyle changes using movement, mindset, and nutrition to help the body heal and function optimally. For those already on medication, these healthy habits often work hand-in-hand with their medical care to support better long-term outcomes.

You do not have to face diabetes alone, and you do not have to wait for perfect conditions to start making changes.

In Summary

The NHS provides incredible medical and educational resources, from prevention programmes to regular health checks. But long-term success requires more than just information; it requires consistent action, belief, and community.

If you are ready to take charge of your health, start with small, consistent steps. If you would like guidance and support along the way, I would love to help you do just that.

💬 Take Action Today

✅ Ask your GP about the Healthier You Diabetes Prevention Programme. ✅ Make sure you are receiving your 9 annual diabetes checks. ✅ If you would like holistic support in making lifestyle changes that last, get in touch with me at info@arholisticfitness.com or visit www.arholisticfitness.com.

✨ Blog by Annetta Reid – Holistic Health Coach & Founder of AR Holistic Health & Fitness CIC Empowering women over 40 to balance blood sugar, strengthen body and mindset, and redefine ageing.