Introduction The rise of Type 2 Diabetes is a major public health issue. Bradford, a city with high rates of deprivation and a large South Asian community (both factors being associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes), has piloted a programme that aims to tackle this issue. This paper reports on an evaluation of this Intensive Lifestyle Change Programme (ILCP). Targeted at high-risk individuals, the year-long, group-based ILCP is facilitated by health champions, from local communities. Beneficiaries receive advice on lifestyle changes, information and support and are encouraged to set behaviour change goals. 587 people have started the ILCP since it started in 2014. Methods The evaluation comprised of; pre and post clinical tests and questionnaires to measure changes in behaviour and health and wellbeing plus focus groups to ascertain participants’ views of the ILCP. The Results 57 people completed pre and post data. Statistically significant decreases in blood sugar levels were found plus statistically significant increases in; knowledge about diabetes, moderate physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption and self-rated health. The programme was very positively appraised in eight focus groups. Key success factors include; the referral process, non-clinical people facilitating, group support, language diversity and culturally appropriate advice. Conclusion This evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of a programme to prevent Type 2 diabetes in a disadvantaged community and its acceptability to beneficiaries. Learnings can be utilised elsewhere provided programmes are adapted to suit communities’ specific needs.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)