Tips on Type 2

Allan Sutherland (Letters, 28 December) makes some sensible points regarding our NHS and as someone who was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes almost 30 years ago I was particularly interested in that part of his letter. In my hard-won experience the whole approach of the NHS builds up false expectations in those patients who are diagnosed as having Type 2 Diabetes. Responsibility for 90 per cent of any recovery depends entirely on the patient accepting responsibility for three things.

Firstly, cutting out sugar from the diet. Secondly, reducing their weight to a normal level. Thirdly, taking some exercise, walking at least a couple of miles a day, for instance.

Of course doctors and nurses have an important part to play, but for them to pretend that they alone can somehow cure Type 2 Diabetes is a cruel deception on patients and taxpayers alike.

IRVINE INGLIS

Reston, Berwickshire On a recent family visit, I was surprised to learn that NHS England offers free health checks for those aged 40-74. The aim of the checks is to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia.

As there seems to be allparty agreement that preventative health measures are both medically and financially effective, why does Scotland not offer these checks? Despite being hyped by the SNP back in 2012, they seem to have been dropped – minus fanfare, of course!

MOYRA FORREST

Starbank Road, Edinburgh