Page contents
About diabetes
Many people have diabetes but don’t know it. In 2025, around 37,000 people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are known to be living with diabetes.
Type 1 and type 2 are the most common forms. The causes of both types are different, but both result in too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Type 1
Caused by the failure of the cells that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas to help control levels of sugar in the blood. It can occur at any age but usually appears before the age of 40. Type 1 is always treated with insulin.
Type 2
Caused by the body not producing enough insulin or not using what it produces effectively. It is the most common form and accounts for around 90% of all diabetes. It is treated with dietary changes, medication and sometimes insulin.
Diabetes can increase the risk of developing other conditions, such as heart disease. It can be managed effectively, and many people lead a healthy, active life.
Diabetes support groups
Diabetes support groups are monthly meetings for those living with diabetes or at risk of diabetes, parents and carers. These are currently available at:
Online type 1 support groups, for those who cannot attend in person, are available. To find out more you can access the Facebook page or contact Connie Thomas at Diabetes UK.
The Goss Moor Walking group
The Goss Moor walking group (Diabetes UK, Active Cornwall and Natural England project open to all) is free to attend and vouchers are provided for walking boots/equipment should participants need it. To find out more please contact Active Cornwall.
Together Type 1
Information on Diabetes UK’s work with children and young adults or to sign up to Together Type One, is available on the diabetes UK Together Type 1 webpage.
Diabetics with early stage dementia
Support is available for diabetics with early-stage dementia on the Alzheimers Society webpage. Alzheimer’s UK 0333 1503456 and Diabetes UK 0345 1232399 helplines are available to talk through your individual support needs.
Diabetes education programmes
We support a range of education programmes for people who are at risk, those who are newly diagnosed and those people who are living with diabetes to help manage their condition. If you are looking for more information on how you can look after your diabetes, visit the Diabetes UK website.
Diabetes films in British Sign Language (BSL)
We have worked with Diabetes UK, Hearing Loss Cornwall and members of the deaf community to produce these educational films in British Sign Language (BSL). The films aim to improve understanding of diabetes and help deaf people navigate healthcare services with more confidence.
Type 2 diabetes education
Diabetes and You
Diabetes and You is a free course for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or those living with type 2 diabetes who would benefit from healthy lifestyle support to better manage their diabetes.
The course is delivered by trained diabetes educators who will make you feel very welcome.
Diabetes and You (virtual course)
A virtual course for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The course runs over 3 x 2 hours sessions the course will help you to learn about diabetes and help you feel more confident about managing your diabetes and will be delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Diabetes and You (refresher courses)
A 2-hour session offered as a virtual annual refresher for those living with type 2 diabetes who would like a recap on self-management of type 2 diabetes.
These sessions can help you to:
• understand more about type 2 diabetes
• learn about things you can do to look after yourself and stay healthy
• meet other people like you, recently diagnosed with diabetes
• sessions are informal, friendly, and non-judgemental. You can share your experiences and ask questions if you would like to.
You will meet other people with diabetes, and you are welcome to bring your partner, friend, or family member with you for support.
Sessions are for those 18 years and over and run over 3 x 90 minute sessions.
Kernow Health run local face-to-face Diabetes and You courses with GP practices around Cornwall as well as offering remote Diabetes and You sessions to offer an alternative for those who cannot attend in person. The remote sessions cover the same information and are also delivered by one of Kernow Healths experienced Diabetes Educators, but the course will be delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Booking:
If you are interested in joining a Diabetes and You course please use the following link to book directly. There is also now an Online booking system to enable people to self-refer or professionals to refer on their behalf.
Diabetes UK Learning Zone
Learning Zone will give you videos, quizzes, interactive tools which are tailored just for you. From tasty food swaps to tips about managing day-to-day, the courses are all completely free.
Healthy Living
Healthy Living is a free online NHS service for people living with type 2 diabetes, which supplies knowledge and information that will support you to manage your condition. It includes:
- information and treatment advice
- advice on emotional and mental wellbeing
- advice with adopting and maintaining healthy behaviours with food and exercise
The Healthy Living programme is currently being developed but you can still sign up, start the course, and find answers to your questions. Over time you will notice changes to the way pages look and get access to more information and features, as updates to the website are based on the feedback received.
Type 1 diabetes education
Carbohydrate awareness course (Introduction to Carbohydrate Counting)
The Carbohydrate Awareness Course is a 3 ½ hour group session for people with type 1 diabetes who have been recently diagnosed or have been living with the condition for longer but would like a refresher / taster session on carbohydrate counting.
The session is delivered by a Registered Diabetes Specialist Dietitian and is designed to make learning easy and interactive. The aim of the course is to introduce the concept of carbohydrate counting and to allow you to develop the knowledge and skills relating to diabetes self-management.
The course also covers a range of other topics including management of hypos as well as how exercise and alcohol affects your diabetes.
Referral to the course is via the secondary care diabetes team (Diabetes Consultants, Diabetes Specialist Nurses, Diabetes Specialist Dietitians)
Carbohydrate Counting Course
The Carbohydrate Counting Course is for people with type 1 diabetes who would like more in-depth education about carbohydrate counting. The course consists of 2 group education sessions, which each last 3 hours and take place 2 weeks apart.
The course is delivered jointly by a Registered Diabetes Specialist Dietitian and Diabetes Specialist Nurse and is designed to make learning easy and interactive.
The aims of the course are for you to be able to:
- Identify the foods and drinks that contain carbohydrate and therefore impact on blood glucose levels
- Calculate the amount of carbohydrates in a range of food and drinks using a variety of methods
- Understand how much insulin you will need to take for the amount of carbohydrate you have eaten
- Understand how to recognise and treat hypoglycaemia
- Understand the other factors that impact on your blood glucose levels, including alcohol, illness and exercise
- Gain the knowledge and skills to learn how to best manage the condition
Referral onto the course is via the secondary care diabetes team (Diabetes Consultant, Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Diabetes Specialist Dietitian)
Healthier You – NHS diabetes prevention programme
The Healthier You prevention programme is available to anyone who has been told by their GP or another healthcare professional that they are at risk of developing diabetes. The aim is to support people to make good lifestyle choices by giving them knowledge, ability, and confidence. The programme provides people with support meetings and information for 9 months. People may also benefit if they are living with another long-term condition. It is free to attend.
The programme includes information on:
- diet
- managing stress and your emotional wellbeing
- physical activity
- weight monitoring and why it is necessary
A healthcare professional from your GP practice will refer you to the national prevention programme, but you can also self register on the Healthier You website.
Gestational Diabetes MellitusTraffic light tool
The Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) traffic light tool is a simple ‘red, amber, and green’ system that helps healthcare professionals and the public check whether follow-up care has been given after pregnancy. This follow-up care helps to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and ensures people receive the support they need.
If you’re a member of the public, you can use the traffic light tool to find out whether you’re in the red, amber or green zone, and see what information is available to you.
For more information about the tool, visit Gestational diabetes care on the Diabetes UK website, or call the Diabetes UK helpline: 0345 123 2399.
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM)
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device that helps people with diabetes monitor their glucose (sugar) levels throughout the day and night, without the need for frequent finger-prick blood tests.
A CGM uses a small sensor that is worn on the skin, usually on the upper arm or abdomen (tummy). The sensor measures glucose levels in the fluid just under the skin and sends the information to a smartphone, receiver, or other compatible device. This allows users to see their current glucose level, view trends over time, and receive alerts if their glucose levels are too high or too low.
Sensors need to be replaced regularly, usually every 10-15 days, depending on the type of device being used. Common CGM brands include FreeStyle Libre.
Who can get a CGM on the NHS in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly?
CGMs are routinely available on the NHS in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for:
- All children and adults with type 1 diabetes.
- Adults aged 18 and over with type 2 diabetes who:
- use multiple daily insulin injections, and
- meet the eligibility criteria set out in the NICE guideline NG28: Type 2 diabetes in adults: management.
Children and young people
For children and young people under 18 years of age with type 1 diabetes, a CGM should be started by a specialist diabetes clinician or team.
Young people aged 16 to 18 years with type 2 diabetes who use insulin therapy may also be eligible for a CGM. Access to a CGM should be supported by the Integrated Diabetes Nursing Team, to confirm diagnosis and review the young person’s care needs in line with NICE guidance.
Adults with type 2 diabetes
CGMs are not routinely available for adults with type 2 diabetes unless they meet the eligibility criteria described above.
Adults with type 2 diabetes who use insulin and have a learning disability, and who are recorded on their GP’s Learning Disability Register, may also be eligible. These patients should be assessed by a specialist diabetes team, who can advise on whether a CGM is appropriate.
Starting a CGM
In some cases, a CGM may initially be provided on a trial basis, typically for six months. Continued prescribing will depend on whether the device is shown to provide clinical benefit and support diabetes management.
CGMs and insulin pumps
Some CGMs can be linked to an insulin pump. When the CGM and insulin pump work together to help manage glucose levels automatically, this is known as a hybrid closed-loop system.
Insulin pumps and hybrid closed-loop systems are generally recommended for people with type 1 diabetes who meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
For more information about hybrid closed-loop systems, please see the section below.
Hybrid Closed Loops
Hybrid closed loop technology for people with Type 1 Diabetes
On December 19, 2023, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) released new guidelines regarding the use of hybrid closed loop technology: NICE TA 943 (sometimes referred to as HCL or artificial pancreas) for people with Type 1 diabetes
NHS systems have 5 years starting from April 2024 to fully implement these recommendations
During this period specialist diabetes clinical teams will be working to identify those Type 1 diabetes with the greatest clinical need who meet the criteria stipulated in NICE TA 943 to ensure they are provided with this technology first as recommended by NHSE England’s national implantation strategy
Learn more about HCL systems
More information about hybrid closed loop systems is available online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What groups have been stipulated as priority groups for Hybrid Closed loop?
- Adults with disabling hypoglycaemia, or an HbA1c of 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) or more, despite best possible management with at least one of the following:
- Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
- Real-time continuous glucose monitoring
- Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring
- Children and young people
- Women, trans men, and non-binary people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
When can I be started on a hybrid closed loop?
- NICE have recommended that hybrid closed loop (HCL) technology should be offered as an option for managing blood glucose in type 1 diabetes if other methods have not achieved the desired results.
- This means that if a diabetes specialist feels that you would benefit from HCL, this will be discussed with you at a routine appointment.
- It will take time to implement this strategy and incorporate it into local services. Clinical risk and individual circumstances will be taken into consideration.
- It is likely it will take up to a few years for some people who are eligible to be offered HCL.
- The rollout will be over 5 years. Clinicians require time to do this safely and effectively.
What is the reason for a roll out over 5 years?
- In normal circumstances, the NHS would have to implement technical appraisal recommendations within three months, but nationally and locally there currently isn’t the clinical capacity to do this. There is a need to establish a diabetes workforce sufficiently trained to manage a rollout of this scale.
- As healthcare teams would be unable to offer HCL to everyone eligible straight away, steps need to be taken to start the rollout whilst allowing for more time to recruit to diabetes teams and equip them with skills to help people use the technology effectively.
- Doing so will also help tackle health inequalities, which is another important part of the strategy.
Will all people with Type 1 diabetes have access to the technology?
- Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII)
- Real-time continuous glucose monitoring
- Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring
- You or your carer is offered a structured education programme (digital or face-to-face)
- Is competent in insulin dosing and adjustments
Do I need to contact my specialist or diabetes team?
- No, your specialist knows who you are and will either contact you or review your eligibility at your next appointment.
- If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, please advise your specialist team.
Which pump/HCL systems will you be offering?
We will review our selection locally based on the needs of our population and the cost effectiveness of devices made available by the above process
Will I be able to pick the HCL system that I want?
- You will be able to choose from the HCL systems that become available to the NHS at a cost-effective price. This is determined by the national team.
- You will be offered what has been identified as the most cost-effective solution for you and your individual needs. This will also consider your total individual insulin requirements.
I have been contacted by a diabetes devices (CGM or pump) company / representative who have told me that I am eligible for HCL and to contact my clinical team what should I do?
- You do not need to take any action.
- Your usual team will contact you or discuss this at your next planned review.
- If you are contacted by the company again, you can ask them to stop contacting you.
- If eligible for NHS-provided HCL, you should not have to pay for your therapy costs, so please do not agree to purchase directly from the company without checking with your clinical team.
I have been contacted by a diabetes devices (CGM or pump) company / representative who have told me that there is an upgrade to the system that I currently use, that I am eligible and to contact my clinical team what should I do?
- You do not need to take any action.
- Upgrades to systems may not be on the national cost-effective framework, meaning that we cannot offer them.
- Many HCL systems are provided under a 4-year contract, which means that they cannot be changed within that 4-year period.
- Your usual team will contact you or discuss this at your next planned review.
Why have some people been offered a different system to the System that I have been offered?
- People are offered HCL systems that are cost-effective and meet their individual clinical needs.
- Different systems may have different licenses for use in different circumstances, e.g., pregnancy.
- Clinical teams cannot discuss other people with you, only your personal situation.
Insulin pumps
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly pay for the cost of insulin pumps (sensor augmented pump therapy) for adults and children with type 1 diabetes, that fit the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) criteria.
Diabetes in remission
NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme, provided by Counterweight
Would you like to put your type 2 diabetes into remission? If you have been diagnosed within the last 6 years you could be eligible for the free 12-month programme.
Benefits of joining the programme
- Weight loss – 10kg average weight lost by patients on the Counterweight Plus programme.
- Potential type 2 diabetes remission – 86% of people who achieved target weight loss achieved remission from type 2 diabetes.
- Reduction in medication – 1 in 2 people completely stopped their diabetes medication.
- Improved blood glucose levels.
The programme consists of 3 steps
- Total diet replacement (soups, shakes and porridge) – 12 weeks. Replace all food with nutritionally complete meals.
- Food reintroduction – 6 weeks. Stepped reintroduction to food.
- Weight loss maintenance – up to 1 year. Support in maintaining weight self-monitoring and reaching goals.
You will have a coach to support you throughout the programme who will guide you with making healthy food choices, as well as tailored, sustainable behaviour change techniques to ensure you feel confident maintaining your new habits.
The service is tailored to you and can be delivered either face-to-face or remotely (video call/phone call) alongside the Counterweight app or hardcopy workbook.
To check eligibility or to find out more information see the Counterweight website or speak directly to your GP practice for a referral.
Page last reviewed: 5 August 2026