A NEW initiative aims to increase the support offered to people newly diagnosed with diabetes.

NHS Scarborough and Ryedale Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), working in partnership Diabetes UK, has launched a consultation over how to develop diabetes education and support for people in Scarborough and Ryedale.

In 2010, there were approximately 3.1 million people aged 16 or over with diabetes (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) in England. By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to 4.6 million, with 90 per cent of those affected having type 2 diabetes.

Dr Phil Garnett, local GP and Clinical Chair of the CCG, said: “Diabetes is a very common condition with around 500 new cases being diagnosed each year in Scarborough and Ryedale alone.

“Self-management of diabetes is really important so we want to ensure that newly diagnosed patients have access to the support they need in order to do this effectively.

“If you or someone you know has diabetes, we would really like to hear your views. This will help us to ensure that our services meet the needs of newly diagnosed patients and ensure they receive the right level of information to help them manage their condition.”

People can share their views via an online survey available at www.scarboroughryedaleccg.nhs.uk

The deadline for completing the survey is Friday, November 28.