Apps to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes
If you are at risk of type 2 diabetes, making healthy changes to your lifestyle lowers your chances of developing this long-term condition.
As making changes to everyday life can be hard, we recommend trying an app. They are a good additional source of information, support and motivation.
Here are six great apps to help you to start making healthy changes now.
Download one today.
Weight management
NHS Weight Loss Plan
Carrying extra weight is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. NHS Weight Loss Plan is a free app to help you lose weight. It lets you:
- Work out your healthy weight and a daily calorie target.
- See your daily calorie intake, and a diary to track your daily food and exercise, plus weekly weight check-ins.
- Over 12 weeks receive weekly tips and actions to keep you on track.
Age: 17+ years old.
Healthy Living
Entirely Free
76%
Level 2
76%
Level 2
Diet
NHS Food Scanner
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, and avoiding high sugar foods, can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes. NHS Food scanner, is a free app that shows you how much fat, sugar and salt is inside the food you want to eat. It lets you:
- Scan a food or drink’s barcode to learn its nutritional values.
- See the amount of sugar, saturated fat, salt and calories hidden inside.
- Find healthier alternatives to the products you have scanned.
Age: 4+ years old.
Healthy Living
Entirely Free
74%
Level 2
74%
Level 2
Exercise
NHS Active 10 walking tracker
Spending less time sitting down, moving more, and more time being active is key to preventing type 2 diabetes. Developed by the NHS, Active 10 walking tracker is a free app that helps you to include brisk walking into your daily routine. It lets you:
- Track all your walking and how many minutes were brisk.
- Use a Pace Checker, to see what brisk walking feels like.
- Set goals to keep motivated and help you progress.
Age: 4+ years old.
Healthy Living
Respiratory
Entirely Free
80%
Level 2
79%
Level 2
Lifestyle
NHS Drink Free Days
Drinking too much alcohol is linked with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. So, staying within government guidelines is the safest way to drink alcohol. NHS Drink Free Days, is a free app for people who like a drink but want some support in tracking and cutting down on alcohol. It lets you:
- Understand your typical week, including health risk level, calories, money spent and how you compare to others.
- Each week, pledge which days will be your drink free days; then track and celebrate success.
- Get tips, advice and reminders on how to manage your drinking goals.
Age: 17+ years old.
Healthy Living
Entirely Free
77%
Level 3
76%
Level 3
NHS Quit Smoking
Smoking is also associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. So, if you smoke, try giving up, as it is one of the most positive things you can do to improve your health. Made by the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS Quit Smoking is a free app that is a 28-day guide to help you stop smoking. It lets you:
- Complete tasks that can help you beat your cravings and focus on your goals.
- Get daily messages of support and advice.
- Track how many days you have had without a cigarette and how much money you have saved.
Age: 17+ years old.
Healthy Living
Entirely Free
72%
Level 2
72%
Level 2
Mental Health
Feeling Good: Mental Fitness
As making changes in lifestyle can be hard, it is a good idea to develop a positive mindset. Based on the latest neuroscience and Olympic sports coaching techniques, Feeling Good is an app that will help you to adopt a positive mindset when making the changes that will help reduce your chances of developing diabetes. It lets you:
- Listen to 12 audio tracks designed to develop positive mental training.
- Learn and practice skills including accessing deep calm, self confidence, and visualising better performance.
- Tracks are downloaded to your phone so that you can listen off-line and you can set daily reminders to listen to the tracks.
The basic content in the app is free.
To unlock additional content there is a one off cost of £39.99*.
Age: 12+
Healthy Living
Mental Health
Respiratory
In App Purchases
90%
Level 3
90%
Level 3
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