Almost 3,000 patients with Type 2 diabetes in the Midlands have now signed up to Healthy Living – a free online service which has been designed by NHS England to better manage their condition.

Healthy Living has been clinically proven and can help people improve their health and live well with Type 2 diabetes.

The free online service is available for people with Type 2 diabetes across the region and is accepting self-referrals. People can register now at www.healthyliving.nhs.uk.

Anyone over the age of 18 living with Type 2 diabetes can access the service, no matter when they were diagnosed. Carers of those living with Type 2 diabetes can also sign up to the programme.

As well as benefiting from Healthy Living, people with Type 2 diabetes in the Midlands are also being encouraged to book their annual diabetes care review. 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.

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

“It’s fantastic that thousands of people with Type 2 diabetes in the Midlands are now benefiting from Healthy Living, a clinically proven online service that can help them feel confident in managing their condition. The service provides key knowledge and information that helps people to reduce diabetes-related distress, improve health and wellbeing and achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

“I would also encourage people with diabetes in the Midlands 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.”