AN INNOVATIVE health campaign to tackle diabetes in Bradford is expanding across the district to help thousands more people at risk.

As from this month, people living in Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Group's area are being offered diabetes check-ups and, if needed, advice and support to improve their lifestyle to cut their chances of developing the condition.

The Bradford Beating Diabetes (BDD) campaign, which began almost two years ago and has identified 1,000 new patients, has been such a success it is now being rolled out to a wider area.

Bradford Districts CCG’s priority will now be to work with about 9,000 people who have been identified as being at high risk of developing diabetes.

The campaign is starting with letters going to all those people who are already at moderate or high risk, so they come to their GP practice for another blood test to check their glucose levels – a key indicator of diabetes.

Then, depending on the results, they will be offered a tailor-made package of treatment and advice.

It is aimed at identifying anyone in Bradford who could be at risk of becoming diabetic in the future and making sure they receive the most appropriate advice, care and support to prevent or delay the onset of the condition.

The campaign will also continue to supports people already being treated for diabetes, making sure they get the right healthcare so they can manage their symptoms and stop any related, serious conditions from developing.

Dr Chris Harris, GP lead for diabetes at Bradford Districts CCG, said: “We’re really excited about bringing the benefits of Bradford Beating Diabetes to so many new people, and helping them to find out quickly and easily whether they actually have diabetes or are at a stage where they can make some lifestyle changes to prevent it.”

Since 2013, more than 12,000 people in the City CCG who are at risk of developing diabetes have taken part in the programme with 6,000 receiving lifestyle advice from their GP or healthcare team.

And 200 more are now taking part in the programme’s 12 month intensive lifestyle change programme to help prevent them developing the disease.

“Diabetes is on the rise locally as well as nationally - so it is a real health challenge for us," said Dr Harris.

"We want to prevent as many Bradford patients as possible developing diabetes and to provide excellent care and advice to those who do have diabetes, so they stay well and in control of their condition.

"People often think that diabetes is just something that’s going to happen to them because of a family history of the condition or the fact that they know so many people who have it. This campaign has already shown that diabetes isn’t inevitable if more people knew how simple changes to their diet and lifestyle can reduce their risk.”