A NEW course to help patients diagnosed with diabetes cope with their condition has just been rolled out to Craven.

The X-PERT Diabetes Programme has already been running successfully in Airedale and Wharfedale for patients with Type 2 diabetes, either newly diagnosed or who have had the condition for a long time.

They can be referred by their GP, practice nurse or other health professional or sign up themselves.

This programme is based on national guidelines and run by a specialist diabetes nurse and dietitian for between ten and 15 people.

It aims to help participants set realistic goals and make changes to their lifestyle.

The extension of the scheme has been funded by NHS Airedale Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group to run in the Craven area, initially until March 2016.

Lilian Dunphy, aged 71, said she felt "lucky" to get a place on the course, which had been held at Fisher Medical Centre in Skipton.

“It was fantastic," she added. "I thought I would know about everything already – but I didn’t.

"I learnt about the benefits of eating slow-release foods, such as porridge, what you should choose when shopping as the group were taken on a trip out to a supermarket, which desserts are best when eating out and how you should divide your plate up into each type of food.

“The information was great. We were all given a handbook to refer to and the course leaders were lovely. I really appreciated the programme and was quite disappointed when it finished."

Lilian, of Skipton, was diagnosed just over a year ago and believes her condition was brought on partly by a period of stress in her life. Now she has better control of her condition and her blood glucose levels have reduced.

Laura Rowe, diabetes specialist dietitian and team leader at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The X-PERT course helps participants understand how their body works to give them greater control over their condition.

“It's important people with Type 2 diabetes eat a healthy, balanced diet and have a healthy weight. The programme will support participants with these goals.”

Anyone wanting to join X-PERT can ask their GP or health professional for a referral, or call 01274 323729 for more details.

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