NHS to offer online advice for type 2 diabetes patients.

A new NHS online portal offering courses and resources will be available nationally from 2020 to support patients with type 2 diabetes to manage their condition independently, and deal with the challenges that come with it. It will include educational courses supporting lifestyle changes, guidance on diet, exercise and managing alcohol consumption, and support for emotional wellbeing. Patients on the trials have been successful in reducing their blood glucose levels and, in the case of those newly diagnosed with the condition, improving their mental health.
Public Health Minister, Seema Kennedy, said: “There are millions of people with type 2 Diabetes who are at increased risk of heart disease, kidney failure, blindness and ultimately a shorter life. This is preventable, and the new online tool being rolled out on the NHS will offer simple advice on diet, exercise and emotional support that could make all the difference. Through our Long Term Plan for the NHS we want to do more to empower people with easy-to-use digital tools and information to take care of their own health. I am delighted that people are already seeing the benefits of this government’s record funding increase to the NHS budget.”
Professor Elizabeth Murray, UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, said: “Online programmes offer individuals the flexibility to access support that fits around their lifestyle. All the content in our programme was evidence based drawing on a range of diabetes management research including behavioural change, accessibility and usability, and promoting emotional wellbeing by drawing on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness. We are delighted that the proven benefits of this programme for people with type 2 diabetes can be made available to everyone in England.”