A FREE support service offered to those most at risk from type 2 diabetes has paid dividends for one Northwich patient.

Thousands across Cheshire and Wirral are benefitting from the Healthier You NHS diabetes prevention programme, and 66-year-old Pamela Hancock has seen real change since joining the scheme six months ago.

She was referred by her GP, having suffered from multiple long-term conditions, and was solely using a wheelchair at the time.

As her mobility has increased with healthy eating and more physical activity, so has her outlook.

Pamela said: "I was really low when I was referred onto the programme and thought a future of wheelchairs and walking aids was inevitable.

"But, with the support of my family, I was prepared to do whatever it took to get my life back.

"I was determined not to develop type 2 diabetes on top of my other conditions.

"The Healthier You programme has given me hope. I’ve lost weight, improved my mobility and feel much better in myself.

"I feel like I’m fighting a winning battle again – not a losing one."

Dr Sinead Clarke, GP and clinical director at NHS Vale Royal Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: "Across Cheshire and Wirral we believe there could be more than 28,000 people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

"That can lead to other serious conditions including stroke, heart disease, limb amputation and early death.

"The Healthier You programme is having a really positive impact. It’s great for patients because it’s personalised advice for them, and great for the health service as it helps to limit the number of people who require lifelong diabetes care.

"I know lifestyle change isn’t easy. If it was, we’d all do it. But Healthier You is supporting people to make those small changes which can make a big difference.”

GPs and other healthcare professionals have urged more residents to find out if they are at risk and to take action as part of Diabetes Prevention Week.

See more at diabetes.org.uk/risk