Specialist pilot scheme launched to tackle diabetes (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Specialist pilot scheme launched to tackle diabetes in Hartlepool

2:18pm Monday 4th February 2013 in News By Graeme Hetherington

A PILOT scheme has been launched to try to reduce the number of people who develop diabetes.

Escape Diabetes Act Now (EDAN) takes a preventative approach by working with “at risk” pre-diabetic adults in Hartlepool to help them improve their lifestyles.

The one-year scheme which is being run by the Borough Council’s Hartlepool Exercise for Life Programme (HELP) in partnership with local GP surgeries, offers a range of practical support, including structured supervised exercise sessions and nutritional.

The scheme aims to work with three groups of 12 patients, with each group meeting twice a week for 24 weeks.

Co-ordinator Lorraine Harrison said: “The people we are targeting for the scheme are those with one or more of the following risk factors - a family history of type 2 diabetes, long term problems with weight and obesity, those with high cholesterol and high blood pressure; or those that already know that their blood sugar levels are above the normal range.

“People must be referred to the scheme by their GPs or practice nurses. They will then be invited to attend a welcome meeting where they will receive more details of how the programme is structured.

“I am happy, however, for people to contact me directly for more information about the scheme and to discuss how they might benefit from taking part.”

There is a charge of £2.10 per week to participate in the first 12-week block. On completion of this first phase, a complimentary Active Card will be issued to support the continued activities outlined in each patient’s personal plan for the second 12-week period.

After 24 weeks patients will be directed to other physical activities taking place in the local community. However, their progress will continue to be monitored and on-going support will be available to enable them to deal with any difficulties that might arise.

The scheme, which has received financial support from Public Health NHS Hartlepool, is hoping to mirror the success of a similar project New Life New You initiative which operated in Middlesbrough in 2012.

For more information people can contact Lorraine Harrison on 01429-284363 or e-mail lorraine.harrison@hartlepool.co.uk