Wales has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the UK and, with excess weight and obesity becoming more common, the number of people at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes is rising. The impact of type 2 diabetes on the health and wellbeing of individuals and their families is severe. There is a financial cost as well: treatment of type 2 diabetes accounts for around 10% of the NHS budget.
Evidence suggests that, by supporting people to make key changes to their diet and level of physical activity, over half of type 2 diabetes cases could be prevented. There is therefore a clear need and opportunity for a national programme that supports people to make changes to their lifestyle that can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.