November 12, 2026
A Magherafelt man has described the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) as “life-changing”, ahead of World Diabetes Day on 14 November.
Tony McGarrigle wasn’t aware that he could benefit from the programme until a routine blood test identified that he was in the pre-diabetic range.
Prediabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, providing an important opportunity for early intervention.
Following a referral from his GP, Tony enrolled in the Diabetes Prevention Programme and says the support and guidance he received helped him make lasting changes to his lifestyle.
The programme supports participants to increase their physical activity levels, achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and make healthier dietary choices to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. People can only be referred through their GP or practice nurse following a routine blood test.
“I set myself a target of losing 5% of my body fat, but after four and a half months I had lost 10% thanks to the programme,” said Tony.
Tony McGarrigle, who participated in the Diabetes Prevention Programme.
Tony is one of a group of local participants taking part in the programme delivered in Draperstown through a partnership between the Northern Trust and Thrive Sperrins, a collaborative community health and wellbeing initiative based in the Mid Ulster area.
The collaboration is an example of the Department of Health’s Neighbourhood Model of Care in action, bringing services closer to people’s homes and supporting prevention, early intervention and community-based care.
Leesa Houston, Health and Wellbeing Manager at the Northern Trust, said the programme continues to have a significant impact on participants.
“Many of our participants have transformed their lives through the programme by reducing their blood sugar levels, losing weight and improving their overall health and wellbeing,” said Leesa.
For Tony, the benefits have extended beyond physical health.
“The programme has helped me improve my weight and stamina, but it has also had a massive positive impact on my mental health,” he said.
Tony explained that while adhering to the programme is straightforward, it is up to the individual to make the difference:
“You have to be willing to make the changes yourself, but the support is there every step of the way. I would absolutely recommend the programme to anyone who is offered the opportunity to take part,” he added.
The Diabetes Prevention Programme is available across all Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland. By making small, sustainable lifestyle changes, participants can improve their health, reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and gain the confidence to take greater control of their long-term wellbeing, just as Tony has done.