HEALTH bosses have been raising awareness of diabetes as part of a week-long campaign.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group has been supporting Diabetes Prevention Week, which ends on Sunday, to make sufferers aware of the help on offer to them.

The week has been promoting the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, which helps patients make lifestyle changes to cope with the condition.

People can access the programme via a referral from their doctor - it then provides information on things like eating habits and keeping active.

Dr Carl Ellson, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG medical director, said: "We’re very pleased that thousands of people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are already well on their way to improving their health and wellbeing thanks to this programme.

“Whether it’s improving someone’s diet or getting them to become more active, this programme offers the help and support needed to make important changes to their lives.”

Nationally, over half a million people have been referred into the programme, and those completing the programme who were overweight or obese lost on average 3.6kg, greater than originally predicted.

Residents who haven’t yet seen a GP but are concerned they might be at risk can check their risk score quickly and anonymously online at riskscore.diabetes.org.uk.