Diabetes prevention programme to be rolled out across Lincolnshire

A new diabetes prevention programme is set to be rolled out across the county providing expert advice and support to patients at risk of developing the disease.

Clinical commissioning groups and local authorities across Greater Lincolnshire have teamed up with ICS Health and Wellbeing to offer people at risk of Type 2 diabetes a place on a new health scheme.

The Healthier You service will help patients – who will be referred to the initiative by their GPs if they have raised blood sugar – make healthier lifestyle choices and reduce their risk of developing the disease.

More than 12,000 people live with the condition in Lincoln, Gainsborough and surrounding villages.

Those referred will get tailored, personalised help to reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes including education on healthy eating and lifestyle, help to lose weight and tailored physical exercise programmes, all of which together have been proven to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Doctor Sunil Hindocha, clinical chief officer at Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We are proud to be rolling out the first wave of this important public health programme in Lincoln, Gainsborough, surrounding villages – and the rest of the county too.

“It is important we get people talking about diabetes more – if we are to overcome a worrying trend.

“It is important people look after themselves. Going out for a walk each day is a good start – and it doesn’t cost anything. It gets the body moving and used to physical activity.

“I look forward to seeing the results of this exciting new scheme.”

Lincolnshire is one of the first 27 areas, covering half of the country’s population, to benefit from the initiative.

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle changes.

Sessions will be rolled out to:

• Lincoln South
• Lincoln North
• Gainsborough
• Grantham
• Sleaford
• Skegness
• Boston
• Louth
• Spalding
• Bourne
• Grimsby
• Immingham
• Scunthorpe

Venues are yet to be confirmed.

Claire Curtis, head of service development at ICS, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to provide lifestyle interventions for the people of Lincolnshire with the aim of helping at risk people make healthier choices about how they exercise and what they eat.”

The initiative is being led by NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK.

Doctor Tony Hill, director of public health in Lincolnshire, said: “Type 2 diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges of our time and millions of people in England are at risk of developing this serious disease.

“I look forward to seeing this initiative take shape in the coming months.”