People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the Midlands are being encouraged to benefit from two new online support programmes and to book their annual review with their GP as we move towards Diabetes Week.

Diabetes UK estimates there are over 706,000 people living with diabetes in the Midlands.

All those with diabetes should undergo a diabetes care review at least once a year so GPs can monitor their health. This is to reduce the chance of diabetes complications. GPs will use the annual review to assess aspects such as a patient’s long term blood glucose control, cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

As well as their annual review, people with diabetes in the Midlands can now receive online support to lead a healthier lifestyle every day with the launch of two special digital initiatives.

My Type 1 Diabetes is a new, free online platform that can support people to live well with type 1 diabetes. Adults with type 1 diabetes, their families and carers, and healthcare professionals can use this platform to access information about type 1 diabetes through videos, articles, and accredited online education courses. People can start using the programme today by visiting: https://www.mytype1diabetes.nhs.uk/

Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes is a new, free online structured education programme designed to help users learn more about type 2 diabetes. Healthy Living has been clinically proven and can help participants live well with type 2 diabetes.

The programme is available to anyone over the age of 18, living in the Midlands with type 2 diabetes. Carers of those living with type 2 diabetes can also sign up to the programme by visiting: https://www.healthyliving.nhs.uk/

Professor Azhar Farooqi, Co-Clinical Director for the Midlands Cardiovascular Disease and Respiratory Network and GP at East Leicester Medical Practice, said:

“For people with diabetes, managing their condition is so important. So, it’s fantastic to see the launch of two new digital support programmes – My Type 1 Diabetes and Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes – to help support people with diabetes to lead a healthy lifestyle.

“I would encourage people with diabetes in the Midlands to join the new programmes and also to contact their GP Practice and book their annual review if they haven’t already done so.

“It’s vital that people with diabetes have their bloods checked at least once a year. Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, foot amputation, kidney failure, eyesight loss and stroke. So, it’s important that blood readings are undertaken and any issues are spotted and treated early.”

Peter Shorrick, Midlands and East Regional Head at Diabetes UK, said:

‘Over the last two years there have been changes to the way Diabetes Care has been delivered due to the pressures and priorities attributed to the Pandemic. This has led to missed or cancelled appointments and annual reviews, and also for foot checks.

“Our insights have highlighted the need to address several key areas including the need to support self-management, and sign posting people to key support services including emotional and wellbeing.

“We would encourage people with diabetes to book their annual review, and also to access two new online initiatives, My Type 1 Diabetes and Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes.”