The Oban Times

Argyll seeks better outcomes for type 2 diabetes patients

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Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnershi­p (HSCP) was awarded £22,500 in October last year to investigat­e how to support people living with type 2 diabetes and to prevent more people from getting this condition.

This funding is part of a national healthy weight strategy launched by the Scottish Government in 2018. It is being used to investigat­e what people living in Argyll and Bute think needs to happen to reduce their risks of getting type 2 diabetes and, if they already have a diagnosis, what could be done to help them manage their symptoms better. Gestationa­l diabetes which occurs in pregnant women is also included in this work.

Type 2 diabetes is a very serious long-term health condition associated with many debilitati­ng complicati­ons such as visual impairment, circulator­y problems and amputation­s, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

This causes a huge amount of pain and suffering to people and costs the NHS more than £1 billion each year in Scotland, yet the risk of having type 2 diabetes can be reduced.

Alison McGrory, health improvemen­t principal from Argyll and Bute HSCP, said: ‘My job is to enable the people of Argyll and Bute to

lead healthy and well lives. Type 2 diabetes is on the rise in Scotland and although we all know a friend or family member with diabetes, it is a very serious condition. I am delighted that we have been awarded this funding to work with people to develop appropriat­e services and support.’

Debbie Kirby, lead dietitian for Argyll and Bute HSCP, added: ‘Recent research has shown even stronger evidence that weight loss and weight maintenanc­e can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

‘For those already with type 2 diabetes, it means that working on their weight and being less inactive can delay and avoid complicati­ons.

‘Excitingly, we now know in some cases, lifestyle changes can bring people into remission. In future, people with type 2 and gestationa­l diabetes will receive much more support to enable them to manage their condition so it’s very important we learn from people about what type of support is needed and use this informatio­n in our planning.’

A survey has been developed to enable people to give their views and a number of focus groups are taking place with community groups throughout Argyll and Bute during February and March. The survey can be viewed at www.surveymonk­ey.co.uk/r/ VJQDKYM

If anyone is interested in hearing more about the project, contact Deborah Kirby, Argyll and Bute Profession­al Lead for Dietetics, Argyll and Bute HSCP – NHS Highland, Cowal Community Hospital, 360 Argyll Street, Dunoon, or email deborah.kirby@nhs.net

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 ??  ?? Alison McGrory, left, and Debbie Kirby.
Alison McGrory, left, and Debbie Kirby.
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