Information, support and advice about diabetes.
NHS diabetes prevention programme
The NHS diabetes prevention programme in Essex will help you take control of your health, supporting you to make changes to your diet, weight and the amount of exercise you do.
Taking this kind of action now is very important as it can reduce your risk of, or even stop you, developing Type 2 diabetes.
How does it work?
The service, provided by Xyla Health, offers in-person, digital and remote programmes to suit your needs.
The in-person programmes will be held in a range of locations across Essex. You will also be able to attend our Digital and Tailored-remote group sessions online in the comfort of your home. If there isn’t a programme running in your area at the time of your referral, you will be placed onto the area waiting list until the next programme begins. You also have the opportunity to attend programmes in other areas should you wish.
Visit the website to find out more about the service across Essex, and to learn more about the programme and how it works.
How to join
If you have been told you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and haven’t already been referred to the service, ask your GP, nurse or NHS Health Check professional to refer you to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme in Essex.
You can also contact the service by:
The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme
The NHS is delivering a low calorie treatment for people in Mid & South Essex living with Type 2 diabetes who are above a healthy weight. Delivered by Momenta, it’s based on the DiRECT study which showed this approach can help people lose weight, improve their diabetes control, reduce diabetes-related medication and even achieve remission.
On average participants lose 10-15% of their starting weight. Many participants also stop or reduce diabetes and other medications and also tell us they feel healthier and happier.
The 12-month programme is completely free but you can only take part if you’re referred by your GP practice.
Who is eligible
The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path To Remission programme isn’t suitable for everyone and there are some eligibility requirements that you must meet to be involved.
To be eligible, you must be:
- aged between 18 and 65 years old
- not pregnant or planning to get pregnant
- have a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes within the last 6 years
- motivated to change your lifestyle and can commit to the 12-month programme
There are also some other factors which need to be considered which your GP practice team will discuss with you.
If you’re interested in finding out more about the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme and deciding whether it’s the right approach for you now we encourage you to complete this self-assessment questionnaire.
How it works
This expert-developed 12-month programme has three phases. To start with you’ll follow a low calorie diet for 12 weeks (replacing all normal meals with your choice of soups, shakes and porridges totalling 8-900 calories per day). Then you’ll gradually restart ‘real food’ meals over six weeks. Finally you’ll receive ongoing support for the last 8 months to help you maintain or build on your weight loss.
You’ll receive high-quality resources and one-to-one support from our trained Coaches. These will give you the knowledge, skills and support you need throughout the programme and afterwards. You can choose whether to access your Coach support in-person at a local venue or digitally over an app.
Whilst on the programme, you will be closely supported by your local GP practice, for example if medicines need to be changed.
To learn more about the programme, visit Momenta’s Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission website here.
How to access this programme
You need to be referred by your GP to access this programme. If you think you are eligible and would like to be referred, please speak with your GP practice.
Whether you have been referred or not, you can still contact the service for advice by:
Phone
01245 890655
E-mail
momenta.t2dr-mse@nhs.net
Online
Contact form
Diabetes and mental health
Whether you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes or have been living with this health condition for a long time, managing diabetes can be tough. Some people report feeling overwhelmed having to manage their medication and attend medical appointments. Other’s report finding it difficult to make some of the lifestyle changes necessary to cope with diabetes.
15 healthcare essentials
If you have diabetes you should receive a series of tests each year to show how you’re managing it. You should also be able to access extra care and support if you need to. We call this package of care the 15 healthcare essentials.
Essex diabetic eye screening programme
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the back of the eye (retina). It can cause blindness if left undiagnosed and untreated.
To minimise the risk of this happening, people with diabetes should:
- ensure they control their blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol
- attend diabetic eye screening appointments – annual screening is offered to all people with diabetes aged 12 and over to pick up and treat any problems early on
Diabetic retinopathy does not usually affect your sight until changes are advanced. Annual screening is an effective way of preventing sight loss caused by diabetes.
Who should be screened?
Screening is an effective way of detecting diabetic retinopathy as soon as possible.
All patients aged 12 and over, with a diagnosis of diabetes should participate in the diabetic eye screening programme. This is the best way to ensure that risk of losing your sight is managed.
The screening test involves examining the back of the eyes and taking photographs. Depending on your result, you may be advised to return for another appointment a year later, attend more regular appointments, or discuss treatment options with a specialist.
How can I access screening?
Everyone with diabetes who is 12 years old or over is invited for eye screening once a year. If it’s been more than a year since your last test and you have not had a letter, you can contact InHealth, the eye screening service provider, on 01245 806100.
To find out more about the service, visit InHealth’s Mid & South Essex website here.