A HealthTech firm’s platform has been selected by the NHS to help tackle type 2 diabetes in the UK.
Changing Health provides an app which helps users to lose weight and improve their diet with evidence-based programmes, placing an emphasis on behaviour change.
Spun out from Newcastle University in 2015, Changing Health provides users with access to information, online tracking tools and lifestyle coaching through mobile and tablet apps or on PC.
The app, which is free but requires a GP referreal, will allow the NHS to offer its patients a personalised plan to make positive long term lifestyle changes which could help their condition improve.
Once a person has been referred to the programme they can access the tools on their mobile, tablet or PC.
“Living with Type 2 diabetes is a daily challenge for millions, as well as a growing issue for our NHS, which is why the Long Term Plan for the health service sets out ambitious, innovative and evidence backed measures to prevent and manage the condition,” explained Professor Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity for NHS England.
“We are living in an increasingly digital age with people managing most aspects of their lives online, the rollout of this programme will give people the opportunity to get support for their Type 2 diabetes online too.”
Professor Mike Trenell, co-founder and chief scientific officer at Changing Health added: “This partnership is a massive accomplishment for us and underpins how we’re able to take the very best in academia and scale it to thousands of people.
“As the single most costly medical condition, Type 2 diabetes has long been a drain on NHS resources, and we believe this approach will enable them to deliver highly personalised support at scale.
“We look forward to working with insurers and international markets in the coming months and years to replicate this offering.”