Cornwall 'leading the way in diabetes care'

Diabetes super clinics are being expanded across Cornwall to help educate patients and improve long term well-being, health bosses have said.

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said it was "leading the way in good diabetes care" through its work with Three Harbours and Bosvena Primary Care Network (PCN).

It said people living with diabetes were being supported through established support groups and socially prescribed health walks.

Jennie Brown, a member of the walking group at Lanhydrock, said the walks and the people taking part "had been really supportive and really helpful".

Ms Brown said: "After my husband died I had a year of not looking after myself and basically I was eating a diet of white carbs and sugar and got the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

"I was feeling incredibly unhealthy and unwell and I look back now and I've very grateful because it gave me the wake up call I needed to look after myself and to take my health in hand and fulfil my promise to my husband that I would live a good life.

"I got the diagnosis and decided I was going to turn this around within a year and I did - I lost almost 6st (38kg), was feeling really healthy and full of energy."

NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) said it had created a five-year diabetes transformation plan, working closely with local people with lived experience of the condition.

Dr Chris Reid, chief medical officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said he was "so proud of the innovative work" being done across Cornwall.

He said: "The diabetes health walk is a great example of how integrated care and community activity can go hand-in-hand to support healthier lives for people with diabetes in Cornwall."

Tracy Crossley, whose husband Les has diabetes, said the support had helped them both.

"While I had heard of type 1 diabetes, it wasn't until we attended the courses and meetings that we realised how serious it can be and the potential impact," she said.

"Everyone's experience with diabetes is unique, and discussing it openly fosters understanding.

"The help we've had from the team has been invaluable, giving us knowledge to educate our whole family about how we can support Les – but this journey has also made me more mindful of my own eating habits and what foods I bring into our home."

"Our daughter is getting married next year and the thought of Les being fit enough to walk her down the aisle and even dance is a truly wonderful motivation," she added.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].