A CAMPAIGN to tackle diabetes in Bradford has identified nearly 800 more people with the condition in its first year.

The Bradford Beating Diabetes (BBD) scheme, started by NHS Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) 12 months ago, has been hailed a success.

There are more than 7,500 diabetic patients in the city with an extra 5,700 people at moderate or high risk of developing the most common type of diabetes, Type 2.

Many of the 800 patients who have been newly-diagnosed over the past 12 months have been enrolled on Intensive Lifestyle Change Programme (ILCP) sessions, run by specially-trained BBD Champions.

These feature a mix of volunteers, practice staff, health trainers and people who have all previously worked as health champions – who make sure people receive the right treatment and support.

The BBD campaign has been shortlisted for a major national healthcare award – the 2014 Primary Care Innovation Award by the Health Service Journal (HSJ).

The scheme, which has just celebrated its first anniversary, also received a boost when it was backed by one five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave.

Sir Steve says the campaign as “wonderful and potentially life-changing” adding that it could set an example for others to follow.

The aim of the BBD campaign is to raise awareness of the disease and to prevent people from developing it.

It also supports those who are being treated for the condition, making sure they receive the correct health care to manage their symptoms and prevent any related, serious conditions from developing.

The BBD team has put together a nine-care passport for patients to keep a record of their vital diabetes health checks and is working with Bradford restaurants to come up with healthier options for take-away dishes.

The scheme's success ties in with World Diabetes Day on November 14.

Dr Muhammad Adeel Iqbal, GP lead for long-term conditions at Bradford City CCG, said: “We have come a long way in the past 12 months in our battle against diabetes.

"We have been working hard to prevent as many city patients as we can from developing diabetes, as well as providing dedicated care and advice to those who have the condition and we are now seeing some excellent results.

“But there is still work to do and if we have a birthday wish, it is to see the good work continue.

"We are looking forward to the next 12 months and ensuring the BBD campaign goes from strength to strength.”

A Diabetes UK spokesman said: “The Bradford Beating Diabetes project is an excellent and innovative way of finding the people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and getting them engaged with the local services in order to prevent the onset of the condition.

"We also know that with earlier diagnosis people should be able to prevent the long term serious complications associated with Type 2 diabetes.