Written question asked by Mike Weir (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 24 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 October 2006. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 9 October 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Diabetes

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to raise awareness of diabetes among at-risk communities.

Answer: The White Paper, ‘Our Health, Our Care, Our Say’ sets out a new direction for health and social care services and we are reorganising health and social care services to focus together on prevention and health promotion. For 2008, primary care trust local delivery plans will have to include a clear strategy for the development of preventative services, including tackling health inequalities across socioeconomic and ethnic minority groups requiring targeted, innovative and culturally sensitive responses.The White Paper also includes details of the self-assessment, ‘Life Check’, which everyone will have at key points in life. This will support individuals and communities at high risk of developing diabetes to get involved in more healthy lifestyles and environments. If the results show that a person is at risk of poor health, they will be able to talk to a health trainer about the help available from local services, specialist services, referral for further medical advice and develop a personal health plan.

Secondary information