Last updated at 10:04, Thursday, 04 March 2010

A GROUND-BREAKING scheme to prevent people developing Type 2 diabetes is to be launched.

NHS Cumbria has been chosen as one of three locations across the UK to pilot the initiative which encourages people to increase their exercise by simply walking.

The ‘walking away from diabetes’ programme provides three hours of education in a group setting for up to ten people identified at increased risk of developing diabetes.

People taking part are given a pedometer to assess their walking activity as well as an opportunity to explore their own views on health and then set personal health goals. Type 2 diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition characterised by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. Approximately two million people have type 2 diabetes in England and Wales, with a further 750,000 thought to have the condition and not know about it. Approximately 18,000 people in Cumbria have type 2 diabetes.

Dr Robert Westgate is the lead GP for diabetes in Cumbria.

He said: “It’s exciting that Cumbria has been given this opportunity to help people to prevent themselves from developing Type 2 diabetes in the future.”“Diabetes can seriously affect someone’s health and can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, amputation and blindness.“It is a huge problem which already costs the NHS millions and in the next 18 years it’s expected that the number of people with type 2 diabetes in Cumbria will rise by two thirds.’’And he added: “An educational programme such as this gives people the opportunity to learn about diabetes and empowers them to modify their behaviour and reduce their future risk.’’

For further information contact your GP surgery.

First published at 15:46, Wednesday, 03 March 2010
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk