Action plan unveiled to aid diabetics

AN ACTION plan has been announced to help the thousands of Lothians residents who are diabetic.

The three-year vision will see patients encouraged to manage their own condition better, extend insulin pump therapy for type one sufferers and minimise some complications associated with the disease.

The Scottish Government said it was also placing a stronger focus on screening and prevention.

There are more than 30,000 sufferers in the Lothians and the health board recently revealed plans to cut an expensive home-testing scheme which would save millions every year.

Diabetes is heavily linked to other health problems, including obesity, and is something health chiefs are keen to get on top of.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: "The consultation stressed the need to address the continuing rise in the number of people in Scotland with diabetes and the urgency of reducing the adverse impact the condition has on people's lives and wellbeing, both physical and psychological.

"I am delighted that people with diabetes, healthcare professionals, NHS managers, research groups, the voluntary sector, government, industry and others have come together."