By Steve Marriott on May 16, 2018
All North Tyneside residents with Type 2 diabetes now have access to a specialised education service, helping them to manage their condition at home.
NHS North Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has announced that its EMPOWER education programme is being made available to patients who have previously been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
The service provides support and advice to patients and carers enabling them to improve their health and manage their condition at home.
The EMPOWER education service was launched in August 2017, targeting North Tyneside residents newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Due to its success, the service has been extended and is now available to all patients with the condition, regardless of when they were diagnosed.
Dr Richard Scott, Clinical Chair of NHS North Tyneside CCG said: “Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is not linked to lifestyle, Type 2 diabetes can be managed and even prevented through adopting healthy lifestyles. This is why it is so important that we are able to support people who have the condition to manage it well so that they can live long and healthy lives.
“Our aim is to help people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes better understand their condition and to feel happier and healthier in managing it themselves. We are delighted with the success of the EMPOWER programme so far, and by expanding the service we are able to reach a much larger group of people and offer them the support that they need to remain healthy.”
Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar in the blood to become too high. It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst and tiredness, and also increase your risk of developing serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves. The condition can often be managed through making educated lifestyle choices, including a healthy diet, regular exercise and monitoring blood sugar levels.
Patients in North Tyneside will have access to face-to-face education sessions and an online diabetes management service which provides support anywhere, anytime.
Gill Peck, Clinical Lead for Spirit Health, who provides the EMPOWER service in North Tyneside said: “Our aim is to give patients the confidence they need to manage their condition at home. Managing diabetes day-to-day can be difficult, so, it’s important that people are equipped with the correct knowledge and skills to help make sure they avoid complications.
“Patients who have already taken the course have enjoyed the friendly, interactive atmosphere and have seen great benefits to their health as a result. 100% of patients who have completed the course have said that they would recommend it to their friends and family, which is a fantastic response.”
Patients wanting to join a course can speak to their GP or practice nurse to register for a place.
Alternatively, patients can now log on to the North Tyneside EMPOWER website to refer themselves to the EMPOWER programme.
To find out more information on course dates or to book a place on a course, visit: www.empowernorthtyneside.co.uk.
