Diabetes is the fastest growing health threat of our times with the number of people living with diabetes doubling since 1996. It is estimated that if nothing changes there will be over 5 million people in the UK with diabetes. There are two types of diabetes, Type 1, more commonly linked to genetic factors that can be triggered by a viral or other infection and Type 2, which usually affects middle aged to older people and is linked to lifestyle factors such as being overweight.
What are we doing about this in North Durham
Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in County Durham and Darlington have agreed that Diabetes care is a priority area. They have worked closely together with clinicians in primary and secondary care, patients, carers and their families in order to understand what needs to happen so that people living with diabetes keep well and live life to the full.
To find out more about the work that is happening in North Durham you can watch our animation:
By 2017 County Durham and Darlington will have a new community based diabetes service that places the patient at its core. This will be a seamless service, from local clinics and GPs, through to hospitals which will support and enable individuals to take more control of their health.
You can see further information here.