NHS SOMERSET is launching a campaign to help raise awareness of Type 2 diabetes which will run from June 10-17.

Somerset based GP, Henk Bruggers, clinical lead for diabetes in Somerset, said: “In Somerset there are already over 30,000 people living with diabetes, of those, 90 per cent will be living with Type 2 diabetes and many could benefit from being on NHS Type 2 Pathway to Remission Programme.”

The health board is also promoting its 12-month programme, which has three-stages and includes 12 weeks of low-calorie soups and shakes (provided free), followed by a six-week reintroduction to real foods, before moving on to a seven-eight month maintenance phase to help participants sustain long-term diet and lifestyle changes.

Those most at risk may already have a family history of the disease and they may be overweight, or have a poor diet (high in sugar, fat and salt) and take little or no physical exercise.