NHS England and Improvement has launched a set of online tools to support people with diabetes.
It has made the first two of the services available to help patients managed their conditions online.
This follows recent findings show that people with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with Covid-19, but that better management of the condition can help improve control and lead to better outcomes.
People with type 1 diabetes can now obtain an app and visit a website named DigeBete, which provides resources on awareness, training and support. This is complemented by the myType1diabetes.nhs.uk online service, which includes videos and e-learning courses to promote understanding of the condition.
From later this year, people with type 2 will be able to access a platform to promote healthy living, including specialised advice on managing the condition, healthy diets, exercise and emotional wellbeing.
Along with this, they will be able to obtain online appointments, discussions with GPs and a dedicated helping for those treaded with insulin. In addition. The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is being delivered remotely using platforms such as Microsoft Teams.
Daily challenge
Professor Partha Kar, national specialty advisor on diabetes for NHS England and Improvement said: “Living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is a daily challenge for millions of people and knowing they are more at risk if they are infected with coronavirus will be worrying, but the NHS has taken action to help people and keep them safe, including the roll out of these helpful apps.
“Access to trusted information and support is key to helping people manage their diabetes and we are delighted to support these tools which will hopefully empower people to look after their own condition and reduce their risk.”
In August of last year NHS England flagged up plans to provide more digital support for diabetes sufferers, following trials of the scheme which found growing numbers of people ready to use digital rather than face-to-face support under the Diabetes Prevention Programme.
Image by Marco Verch,CC BY 2.0
