Community pharmacy teams can highlight the importance of being physically active. The national recommendations on physical activity are:

• Aim to be active daily. Weekly activities should add up to at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, acumulated in bouts of any length, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity 
• Undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two days a week
• Minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary
• Greater than 150 minutes of physical activity a week, together with dietary restrictions, may be required for weight loss. The importance of physical activity and the need to simultaneously restrict energy intake for weight loss should be emphasised. 

Digital technology

Pharmacies can signpost people to digital technology options to support lifestyle changes. There are several NHS approved diabetes apps available. Most apps are free to download from the App Store and Google Play, but users need to be enrolled in a programme from their healthcare provider to receive online support.