Prevent Diabetes With Mentors In UK
Prevent Diabetes With Mentors In UK
In the UK, people who are at a pre-diabetes state will soon be assigned mentors who already have the disease in order to prevent diabetes. The National Institute for Health Research will assign £2.2m for the study. GPs throughout Norfolk will get in touch with people who are above the age of 40 and who have a BMI of 30 along with a family history of diabetes.
However, most participants will be expected to have normal levels of glucose. Yet researchers from Norwich and Norfolk suggest that around 11% of the people would be pre-diabetic, which means the possibility of developing diabetes is high.
In order to get the program started, close to 50 people who do have diabetes will be recruited as mentors. According to Nikki Murray, a senior research associate, “There’ll never be enough trained NHS staff to help all the people in Norfolk who have diabetes or are at risk of it.
Using members of the public to help us is a novel aspect. We’re hoping the mentors will build a strong rapport with the participants, because they know what it’s like having to make lifestyle changes. It’s a fantastic way for them to relate to each other in a way which some healthcare professionals won’t be able to do.”
Rex Berry, aged 69 are just one of several people who has benefitted from this program. When he started on the program just 2 years back he was in a pre-diabetic state. Terry Riches, aged 70 gave Rex advice and support via the phone.
Riches states, “I used to ask Rex how things were going, and whether he’d cut down on his cheese. We only spoke three or four times, but it’s great to meet him now for the first time and to see that his excellent exercise regime has paid off!”
Tags:diabetes, diabetes uk, pre diabetes, prevent diabetes