Locals with diabetes are being encouraged to join a free programme that’s helping people develop skills and confidence to help them make informed decisions about their diabetes management.
The new ‘X-PERT’ diabetes programme was launched as part of Bath and North East Somerset’s Community Health and Care Services, run by Virgin Care, late last year as part of the organisation’s commitment in Bath and North East Somerset to ensure people get well and stay well.
Around 200,000 people are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes every year and over 7,000 people in Bath and North East Somerset are living with Type 2 diabetes.
If diabetes is not managed properly it can lead to serious life-threatening and life-limiting complications, such as blindness and stroke.
Diabetes remains the most common cause of amputation, blindness and requirement of renal dialysis in the UK.
People can easily access the course, which runs for six weekly sessions and is provided by a trained and experience health professional from Virgin Care’s Healthy Lifestyle Service, by receiving a referral from a GP or contacting the service directly on 01225 831852.
People can also easily sign up using the form on the Bath and North East Somerset Community Health and Care website.
As part of national Diabetes Prevention Week, local commissioners reminded people that they can reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by making some simple changes to their lifestyle.
Kirsty Matthews, Managing Director of Bath and North East Somerset Community Health and Care Services for Virgin Care, said: “As part of our commitment to help people to get well and stay well, this is one of a number of initiatives we’re working on to help people live healthier lifestyles.
“The X-PERT diabetes programme is a fantastic example that will help people with their diabetes and it’ll improve their knowledge, skills and confidence to enable them to take increasing control of their own condition and fit effective self-management into their daily lives.”
