Fife joins pioneering project to tackle type 2 diabetes

Insulin device.Insulin device.
Insulin device.
NHS Fife is part of a pioneering project to reduce type 2 diabetes across the east of Scotland.

It is working with health boards in Lothian and the Borders in a bid to bring about major changes.

Four intervention programmes are being rolled-out across the three areas.

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They include support from dieticians using ground breaking evidence, and long-term support from clinicians.

And by adopting a ‘whole systems approach’ it will tackle structural, systemic root causes – such as poverty, inequality and childhood trauma.

Type 2 diabetes has been on the rise across the country for the past decade.

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Recognising that diet and excess weight is driven by a range of environmental, societal and individual factors, regional health and social care providers have joined forces with the public, third and private sectors to advance sustainable change.

With national investment of £1.46 million in the east of Scotland programme this year, regional director Nicky Waters said: “Our programme is a priority initiative – reflecting the need for urgent action to reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Scotland and support people to lead healthy lifestyles.”

Over 1900 adults have been referred to Get Moving with Counterweight and the remission programme since October 2019, with 60 patients currently taking part in Counterweight Plus - a free two-year programme from specialist dieticians.

Laurie Eyles, one of the newly appointed professional advisers for diet and healthy weight at the Scottish Government, said: “From delivering targeted interventions, to addressing the widespread issue of weight stigma and tackling the health inequalities which exist across the region, we are committed to making lasting improvements to the environment in which we live.”

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