Waveney: Help for diabetes patients

DIABETES patients can get the help they need to successfully manage their condition through a new education programme being rolled out across Yarmouth and Waveney.

DIABETES patients can get the help they need to successfully manage their condition through a new education programme being rolled out across Yarmouth and Waveney.

The Desmond programme, run by NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney's community services team, is designed to provide patients with information, advice and techniques to help them manage their illness and improve their quality of life. It is being rolled out across the area following a successful pilot last year.

Those who have recently been diagnosed are referred by their GP to either a day-long workshop or two half-day sessions, where they will be given information about the types of diabetes, treatments, the importance of attending diabetes clinic reviews and diet. They will also be encouraged to closely monitor their health and taught the warning signs they should look out for.

Anyone who is concerned about their risk of developing diabetes can get a free health check at a one-stop-shop event on Saturday at Worlingham Pharmacy in Woodland Avenue, Beccles, between 9am and 4pm.

Organised by Beccles and District Lions Club, Diabetes UK, NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney and Worlingham Pharmacy, the open event gives people the chance to have a free diabetes risk assessment.

Community nutrition teams and health trainers will also be on hand to talk about the range of healthy living initiatives offered through the health trust, including stop smoking services and weight management courses.