New diabetes screening and mentoring scheme for Norfolk

Tue, 22 Mar 2011
A new study in Norfolk is being launched to screen people at high risk of type 2 diabetes . The GBP2.2 million scheme also plans to offer mentors who already have diabetes to help those whose levels of blood sugar identify them as being at the pre-diabetes stage.

The five-year study, which is being funded by the National Institute for Health Research, will involve doctors contacting patients who are older than 40, have a body mass index (BMI) more than 30 and a family history of diabetes, to see if they will take part in the trial.

Although most of those contacted will normal blood sugar levels, it is expected the trial will identify that 11 per cent of people will be at high risk of developing the metabolic condition. Some 50 mentors will be recruited to offer advice on diet and lifestyle to other patients.

Nikki Murray, senior research associate at the Norfolk Diabetes Prevention Study (DPS), commented "There'll never be enough trained NHS staff to help all the people in Norfolk who have diabetes or are at risk of it. Using members of the public to help us is a novel aspect."

She added "We're hoping the mentors will build a strong rapport with the participants, because they know what it's like having to make lifestyle changes. It's a fantastic way for them to relate to each other in a way which some healthcare professionals won't be able to do."

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