NHS advice will be offered online to people with type 2 diabetes to help them manage their condition via a first of its kind service.
The new offer, will mean people with type 2 diabetes have evidence-based information and support available at the touch of a button, via an online portal, giving them convenient and quick help to deal with the physical and mental challenges of diabetes.
The resource will make the right advice available from home, work or on the move, helping people manage their health and wellbeing independently, potentially preventing the need for extra medical attention or the condition becoming worse.
Trials of the online package showed people making use of the online courses and information reduced their blood glucose levels, a crucial part of managing type 2 diabetes.
Eleven sites will now pilot the new service later this year, with a national roll out from 2020.
Following the successful trial, a range of online tools, resources and support services will now be made available, including:
- Educational courses supporting lifestyle changes to help people better manage their diabetes
- Trustworthy information relating to lifestyle choices including diet, exercise and managing alcohol consumption
- Support for emotional wellbeing, including to manage the distress people can experience when first diagnosed with the condition
Professor Jonathan Valabhji, National Clinical Director for Diabetes and Obesity for NHS England said “Living with Type 2 diabetes is a daily challenge for millions, as well as a growing issue for our NHS, which is why the Long Term Plan for the health service sets out ambitious, innovative and evidence-backed measures to prevent and manage the condition.”
“Access to trusted information and support is key to helping people manage their diabetes and this online tool helps deliver this as part of our Long Term Plan to tackle major conditions and diseases.”
“We are living in an increasingly digital age with people managing most aspects of their life online, the rollout of this programme will give people the opportunity to get support for their Type 2 diabetes online too.”
The areas of the country where people will be invited to trial the new programme, ahead of a nationwide roll-out are:
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
- Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes
- Nottinghamshire
- Northamptonshire
- South East and South West London
- North West London
- Cumbria and North East
- West Yorkshire and Harrogate
- Surrey Heartlands
- Gloucestershire
