World Diabetes Day – spaces available on type 2 diabetes NHS Path to Remission Programme in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Spaces are available on a successful programme running across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent which supports people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on their path to remission.

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) is supporting the programme which provides participants with the help and support they need to lose weight, improve their blood sugar levels, and reduce reliance on medication – all of which can help put type 2 diabetes into remission.

It is run across the whole of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and is available in locations such as Tamworth, Burton upon Trent, Cannock and Stoke-on-Trent, provided by Reed Wellbeing.

Robert Lee, who completed the Path to Remission programme, commented: “Since attending the sessions, I have lost nearly six stone, since I was diagnosed with diabetes at the end of last year. I still have a bit to lose, but I look and feel much better, and I have more energy for doing things with my family.

“(The programme) has given me a second chance at life. I have seen my dad suffer for many years with diabetes and now I can hopefully stay in remission for as long as possible.”

Anita Payne, who is currently on the Path to Remission programme, said:

“I am so grateful for the support so far from my coach, Mark. The step-by-step support is so easy to follow. I am so glad I went on the programme and my blood glucose levels have come down significantly, and I have lost weight too.

“I would encourage anyone to try the Path to Remission programme.”

Dr Hannah Missen, Clinical Lead and GP at Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB, said: “The theme of this year’s World Diabetes Day (Thursday 14 November 2024) is diabetes and wellbeing, and we would encourage anyone living in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to find out more about the Path to Remission programme from their GP or health professional.

“The programme has helped over 200 participants with type 2 diabetes since its launch in September 2023 in the region.”         

Sam Deeley, Lead Health & Wellbeing Coach, NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme (Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent), Reed Wellbeing, added: “We help people with type 2 diabetes to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, adopt a balanced diet, increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour.

“By doing this, participants can better control their blood sugar levels, reduce medication, prevent disease and achieve remission.”                                                                                                                

Path to Remission is delivered either in-person or digitally. If the participant chooses to join the programme in-person, a suitable venue local to the participant will be selected.

Recent NHS figures revealed over half a million (549,000) more people in England have been identified by the NHS as being at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in a year. Further information on the Path to Remission programme can be found at Type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment | Reed Wellbeing