RESIDENTS across Sedgemoor are set to benefit from a NHS programme that helps to reduce the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes.

NHS England's programme 'Healthier You' is being rolled out to residents in Axbridge, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea , Cheddar, East Brent, Highbridge and Wedmore at risk of developing the condition, after earlier launches in Bridgwater, Mendip and Taunton.

The news comes after Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (Somerset CCG) recruited more than 900 patients from across the county into the programme.

The CCG's partner organisation, Living Well Taking Control, is working with GP practices to offer people who are at risk of Type 2 diabetes face-to-face help and support to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

Dr Henk Bruggers, GP and Clinical Lead for the programme in Somerset said: “Tackling Type 2 diabetes is a big priority for Somerset. Like most areas of the country we are seeing an increase in new diagnoses driven by a number of lifestyle factors and we need to do all we can to reverse this trend.

“We’re proud to be rolling out this important public health programme and we look forward to working with Living Well Taking Control to help at risk people make healthier choices about how they exercise and what they eat.”

People recruited onto the new programme will benefit from Living Well Taking Control’s services to help them make healthier lifestyle choices and improve their health.

The CCG says more than 800 people in Bridgwater and Mendip have been identified as candidates for the programme and have received invitations to join the project which is focussed on encouraging people to lower their weight, increase their amount of physical activity and improve their diet.

Rachael Rowe, head of long term conditions at NHS Somerset CCG said: “Obesity and lifestyle-related issues have taken their toll on people’s health. Also, the complications of diabetes cost society and the NHS £8.8bn a year.

“This programme will give advice and practical help to a group of people who can drastically reduce their risk of developing the condition and associated complications, including amputation and blindness.”

Wendy Doig, of Living Well Taking Control said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to provide lifestyle interventions for the people of Somerset with the aim of helping at risk people make healthier choices about how they exercise, what they eat and how to manage their stress.”

Leaflets will be available in GP practices in Taunton, and letters will be sent by GPs to patients deemed to be at risk to invite them onto the programme. These include patients who are:

  • Over 18
  • Not pregnant
  • Not diagnosed with diabetes
  • Those with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia