Case study

Empowering Diabetes Prevention Through Trusted Digital Health Apps

Sector:

Public Health (National Diabetes Prevention Programme, NHS England)

Challenge:

Reduce diabetes risk through improved weight, diet, and physical activity management via health apps

Solution:

Health App Library integrated into NDPP educator pathway

Helping People in Lancashire and South Cumbria Take Control of Their Health

In 2021, Ingeus, the organisation delivering the National Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) on behalf of the NHS, began using the Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership’s ORCHA Health App Library.

Educators across the programme recognised that digital health apps could play a vital role in supporting people to manage their weight, nutrition, and physical activity — key factors in reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

By integrating ORCHA-assured app recommendations into their care pathway, educators were able to augment traditional support with digital tools, giving participants both positive reinforcement and a sense of accountability, while helping professionals stay informed about progress between sessions.

Participants were introduced to safe, evidence-based apps through the regional ORCHA Health App Library, ensuring each tool met high standards for clinical effectiveness, data protection, and usability.

This approach made digital support an integral part of the NDPP experience, enabling educators to recommend tailored apps that matched individual needs and empowering participants to track progress and maintain healthy habits at home.

"Using apps is a really easy way to support our citizens. ORCHA is a big part of our digital health literacy work, enabling people to access safe and reliable apps that do what they say on the tin."

Linda Vernon

Acting Digital Culture and Transformation Clinical Lead
Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership

Results & Impact

The service tested its use of digital health apps with participants and found strong engagement and positive outcomes:

67% said the apps supported their weight loss efforts
80% felt they helped meet personal health goals
84% felt more active
86% said the apps supported healthier lifestyle choices

90%

downloaded all or some of the recommended apps

90%

found them useful

Participants reported real, sustained behaviour change:

I wouldn’t have thought to download a health app, but I put my weight loss and healthier lifestyle down to my health app.

I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic and started using an app recommended through the programme. I completely changed my diet and now walk briskly for over an hour - I’m fitter, lighter, and feel in control.

I went from being dubious to being totally committed to using the NHS Food Scanner app. Small changes made a huge difference - I’m now below the pre-diabetic range.