HEALTH chiefs in Bolton have praised the success of a campaign to help people who are at risk of developing diabetes — but warn that the disease is still a "significant" problem in the borough.

Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been working alongside doctors to nip the problem in the bud since 2010, when when it launched its healthy lifestyle intervention plan to help patients deemed at risk of developing the disease.

The news comes after reports that the poor state of diabetes healthcare in England is leading to avoidable deaths.

The scheme is also said cut costs in the long run — to treat one diabetic in primary care without complications costs up to £370 per year, whereas healthy lifestyle intervention is estimated to cost £123 per patient.

Dr Stephen Liversedge, clinical director for primary care and health improvement at Bolton CCG, said: "Diabetes is a significant problem in our borough.

"For this reason, NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group is undertaking trailblazing work to target those who are at risk, before they develop this condition.

"We work closely with GP practices to identify these individuals and help them to live more healthily.

"Anyone who is overweight is more likely to develop diabetes, so losing weight is a vitally important part of this."

Bolton CCG already helps sufferers manage the disease correctly with its Preventing Diabetes project by regularly checking blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, blood sugar levels and weight, as well as examinations of feet and eyes.

Recent figures show that 17,848 people in Bolton have been diagnosed with diabetes, and, as a result of the lifestyle interventions, the average waist circumference has reduced by 6.16cm and the average weight has dropped 4.59kg (10.1lbs).

Dr Liversedge said: "This project is a real success with over half of the patients losing weight and 82 per cent showing an improvement in their average blood sugar levels, making them far less likely to develop diabetes.

"We are also continually striving to ensure that those who have already been diagnosed receive high quality care.

"This includes regular checks to ensure their condition is well managed to reduce the risk of serious complications."