Diabetes Awareness Prevention Programme will benefit people in Mid-Furness

A health and wellbeing programme has started in Ulverston, Dalton, Askam and Duddon Valley (Mid-Furness) with the aims of raising awareness of Type 2 Diabetes and pre-diabetes. Almost 6% of the population in Mid-Furness have Type 2 Diabetes and a further 1.3% have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic.

Mid-Furness Integrated Care Community (ICC) is working in partnership with Mid-Furness Primary Care Network, Diabetes UK, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Active Cumbria, Slimming World, Public Health England and Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria.

As part of the programme, a series of online videos and slideshows were promoted via the Bay Health and Care Partners (BHCP) Twitter and YouTube channels between March and May. The resources received 900 views on the BHCP YouTube channel and featured topics including:

• what diabetes is
• how to recognise the risks and measure your Body Mass Index (BMI)
•  local patient journeys
•  top tips around healthy eating and menu planning with a cookery demonstration
• how to get your bounce back with exercise
• frequently asked questions focusing on the myths and facts about diabetes.

Local GP Dr Alison Johnston said: “With this programme, Mid-Furness ICC hopes to not only raise awareness of Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes but also to reduce the risk of associated complications such as visual impairment, amputations, renal disease and premature mortality.

“We want to encourage better blood glucose monitoring (HbA1c) and take up of support programmes, as well as reducing the number of patients developing Type 2 diabetes. For patients already diagnosed, we want to empower them to better self-manage or reverse their condition.”

As part of the programme, people can also take part in free online physical activity sessions ‘Move for Health’ via Zoom. You can find out more about Move for Health at the Active Cumbria website here https://www.activecumbria.org/behealthybeactive/move-health-south-lakeland/

Move for Health sessions are suitable for all levels of fitness and focus on developing healthy bodies and healthy minds to help us feel stronger and happier. They are designed to help people move at their own pace, in their own way, from their own home. They support people to make positive changes to their physical and mental wellbeing whilst socialising with others. The sessions have been funded by the Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group Population Health Fund in partnership with South Lakeland Health and Wellbeing Partnership and Active Cumbria.

The ICC is planning several activities and events later in the year to support the programme and details will be released soon. You can find out more about the diabetes programme at the Bay Health and Care Partners website here https://hlsc.franktesting.co.uk/morecambe-bay/our-work/diabetes-support

The Bay Health and Care Partners are sharing stories of work that is taking place locally to support communities as part of Diabetes Awareness Week. The awareness week takes place from 14 to 20 June. You can find out more at the Diabetes UK website here https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-week