A SERVICE for people who have been diagnosed with type II diabetes is being rolled out across Great Yarmouth and Waveney.The service, called DESMOND, offers clear advice about diabetes for adults who have been newly diagnosed.

A SERVICE for people who have been diagnosed with type II diabetes is being rolled out across Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

The service, called DESMOND, offers clear advice about diabetes for adults who have been newly diagnosed.

The two sessions, run by a specialist healthcare professional, last three hours and people can find out more about their condition, the sort of food to eat, as well as other information that may help their condition such as regular exercise and not smoking.

DESMOND, which stands for Diabetic Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed Diabetes, will consist of group sessions of about 10 people.

Dr Renee Kathuria, from Beccles Medical Centre and the clinical lead on DESMOND for NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, said: 'People who have been newly diagnosed will be able to increase their knowledge and find out some really important information about their condition through the sessions.

'People with diabetes can find out more about what happens to them when their sugar levels increase and why they should control this.'

The sessions will be run across Great Yarmouth and Waveney in the day, evening and on Saturdays.

Dr Kathuria added: 'About 50pc of people with diabetes don't know what high sugars do to them. When we have told people who have had diabetes for some time this kind of information they have said 'I wish I'd known this years ago.'

'We will also help people to understand more about the different tests they are given.'

Newly diagnosed people with diabetes who are keen to sign up for the course should speak to their GP or practice nurse to be referred onto the sessions.

Linda Caine, head of pathway development and clinical engagement for NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney, added: 'Type II diabetes is a problem for many people in our local population. It seriously affects their quality of life, but they need to know that with high quality advice and information, they can take control of the condition and lessen its impact.

'NHS GYW is delighted that one of its GP practices is taking the lead in providing the DESMOND service.'

Any patient with a long term condition can log onto the Living Life website, www.livinglife.gyw.nhs.uk to find out more about their condition and access supporting information as well as user groups and community forums.