Guernsey roll-out for type 2 diabetes programme

The programme will be rolled out in November

A charity in Guernsey is funding a new programme which aims to help people manage type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes Guernsey said it was to locally fund the programme called Desmond [Diabetes Education and Self Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed], an initiative which has been used in the NHS for several years.

Speaking to BBC Radio Guernsey, chairman Matt Ferguson said the programme would be rolled out in November by GP and GP nurse referral.

Mr Ferguson said the programme would educate those with the condition about the importance of diet.

'Win-win for everybody'

Mr Ferguson said Desmond would be an extra layer of care for those living with type 2 diabetes and had been trialled elsewhere "with really good effect".

He said: "Small jurisdictions [such as the] Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Gibraltar and Jersey have all seen really good rates of self-management.

"Good management leads to less complications with the condition. It can only be a good thing."

Mr Ferguson said the programme would assist in helping people with Type 2 diabetes to manage their diets.

He said Desmond courses would be available, including access to online modules "which means people can access it a lot easier".

Mr Ferguson said the programme would aim to help make people with the condition "feel better".

"The better your control is, the better your blood sugars are, the better you feel," he said.

"If you can get those levels under control, then you feel better about yourself.

"It's just a win-win for everybody involved."