What will the Minister do to combat preventable cases of type 2 diabetes in Wales, following the new report by Public Health Wales, which shows that if current trends continue 50,000 more people in Wales will have diabetes by 2035?
Our Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales strategy is based on international evidence that prevention and early intervention are crucial if we are to change current obesity trends and the impacts, including type 2 diabetes. The strategy takes a system-wide approach, recognising how our environment influences our everyday choices. It includes actions to shift our food environment towards healthier options and ensure that our environments encourage people to be more active. These changes will help promote healthier lifestyles for everyone. The strategy also focuses on providing people with the best weight management services at the most opportune time.
Through the strategy, I am providing funding for the All-Wales Diabetes Prevention Programme pilot. The pilot offers targeted support to the people we know are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes to make changes to their diet and to be more physically active so we can prevent the condition from developing in the first place. I am encouraged by the high uptake rates for the service to date and reports that the programme is proving effective in reducing blood sugar levels.