People with type 2 diabetes are set to benefit from an award-winning behaviour change platform called the Low Carb Program.
All three Primary Care Networks across Mendip (Frome, Mendip and West Mendip PCNs) have been announced as joint winners of a competition run by Ascensia Diabetes Care. The competition, launched during Diabetes Week, was aimed at NHS organisations and offered the chance to win free licences to the Low Carb Program.
GP practices in Mendip formed three Primary Care Networks (PCNs) on 1st July as part of a the nationwide drive for Primary Care to work together at scale, seen as a key building block of the NHS long-term plan. This is one of the first of many joint projects that the three PCNs within Mendip will work on together over the next few years.
Dr Robert Taylor, GP partner at Frome Medical Practice and clinical director of Frome PCN said, “I am really excited about receiving 100 licences for the Low Carb Program for my interested patients. I have been passionate about delivering diabetes care in a more effective way through low carb and real food approaches for quite some time. Alongside my diabetes education program, I am really hopeful this will have a big impact for the people of Frome and the Mendip area.”
Dr Robert Weaver, GP partner at Grove House Surgery and clinical director of Mendip PCN said, “We know that around 60% of type two diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and being active. Reducing the proportion of carbohydrate in the diet has been found to be an effective strategy for patients with Type 2 Diabetes to improve their blood sugar control and as a result feel better, live longer and reduce the need for medication. I am delighted that patients across Mendip will be able to benefit from this extra support.”
Michael Bainbridge, associate director of Primary Care, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group said, “We are very pleased that the GPs in Mendip have won this award. Primary care teams play an important role in combatting diabetes. By working together in this way, the practices in Mendip are making a real difference to their communities.”
