Staff of the Bournemouth Diabetes and Endocrine Centre (BDEC) at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, are running an intensive lifestyle intervention programme to help people reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and are looking for volunteers to take part.

Study participants will follow an eight month lifestyle programme under the supervision of a specialist obesity dietitian, with the support of nurses, doctors and fitness instructors. The programme will include regular group education sessions at the hospital and weekly exercise sessions at the Littledown sports centre. The programme will also include professional support in constructing individual diet plans, healthy eating advice, portion control and lifestyle and exercise goal setting.

Type 2 diabetes is becoming an increasing problem within the UK, with over 100,000 people being diagnosed with the condition each year. Currently, there are 2.6 million people in the UK diagnosed with Diabetes. Diabetes is associated with serious complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney disease. The good news is that research trials have shown the onset of Type 2 diabetes could be prevented or significantly delayed by losing weight and increasing physical activity.

There are two major contributing factors to the development of Type 2 diabetes. The first is obesity. Figures suggest that the risk of developing the condition increases progressively the heavier you become. Obese people are up to 80 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those who maintain a healthy weight. Family history of diabetes is also recognised as a major risk factor for developing the condition, for example, it is estimated that if both parents have the condition, the risk of the child developing diabetes is 75 per cent.

People are needed to take part in the study if they are obese, do not have diabetes themselves and are generally in good health but have the presence of diabetes in their immediate family (parents, siblings, children). The programme is free of charge. The Trust is keen to hear from people who fulfil the above criteria and would like to take part in this study. For further details please contact Anita Bowes by calling 01202 303626 ext 5724 or emailing anita.bowes@rbch.nhs.uk.