SESSIONS are being staged across the district for people with type 2 diabetes to learn more about the condition.

Specialists from Airedale Hospital will lead the two-hour Diabetes Made Easy sessions, which are planned in Keighley, Haworth, Silsden, Glusburn, Ilkley and Settle.

Jane Brophy, lead diabetes specialist dietitian at the hospital, will help run the sessions.

She said: "We have been offering diabetes education for a long time at Airedale but Diabetes Made Easy is a more accessible way for patients to come along, as they are one-off sessions and take place in community locations.

"Education is extremely important for anyone with diabetes, as understanding the condition is the key to managing it.

"The course is really interactive and we discuss diet and think about which foods will be most effective in different scenarios. There is opportunity for patients to ask questions and talk to one another about their experiences.

"We ran pilot sessions which were really successful. Participants went away having learned something new about the condition."

Some courses will also be tailored to the South Asian community and will include language support.

For more details about sessions and to book a place, e-mail diabetesED@anhst.nhs.uk or call 01535 294290. Also, GP surgeries can refer patients.

The organising team is also looking for volunteer lay educators with personal experience of type 2 diabetes to share their knowledge. Anyone interested should e-mail jane.brophy@anhst.nhs.uk or call 01535 294852.

Further information about Airedale Hospital's diabetes education provision can be found at airedale-trust.nhs.uk/services/diabetic-medicine.