People with diabetes will now be able to monitor their own condition through an innovative online service.
A new campaign – run in partnership with Diabetes UK- shows how a new online tool called ‘MyDiabetesMyWay’, will help people with diabetes manage their conditions more effectively through videos, educational tools and games containing information about diabetes.
In a world first, the interactive website also allows people with diabetes to view their up-to-date clinic results, treatments and advice online.
Figures published in the annual Scottish Diabetes Survey today, show that the number of people with diabetes in Scotland continues to increase by around 10,000 each year. There are now over 247,000 people with diabetes in Scotland – 4.7 per cent of the population.
The majority of those people – 217,500, or 88 per cent – have type 2 diabetes which can often be caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices and is also more common in older people.
In launching this service Falkirk West MSP and Public Health Minister Michael Matheson said:
“Diabetes is a growing problem for this area and throughout Scotland – around £300 million of hospital expenditure relates to diabetes treatment and the management of its complications.
“Now, everyone living with diabetes in the Falkirk area and in Scotland has the opportunity to view their own clinical diabetes data online. And by having access to the right information, people can be supported to self manage and radically reduce the risk of developing complications and serious health problems.
“I would strongly encourage people living with diabetes to sign up and see for themselves how this valuable resource can support them to self manage their condition. Not only will this mean they can live longer, healthier lives it will also protect NHS resources.”
