DIABETES patients who have changed their lifestyle and the champions who have helped them have been recognised for their achievements.

Awards were presented to 15 of them yesterday at a special Bradford Beating Diabetes (BBD) ceremony at the Carlisle Business Centre in Manningham.

The patients, who were identified as being at risk of developing diabetes, have all completed a course to support them in making changes to their lifestyle and the champions, a mix of volunteers and professionals, have completed a training course to make sure they are delivering expert advice and support to patients.

In the 16 months since NHS Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) got the BBD campaign under way, almost 200 people have been enrolled on the life changing course.

Dr Sohail Abbas, one of the clinicians leading the BBD campaign, said: “This is areally proud occasion for the campaign as it recognises the hard work and commitment of both patients and the champions to help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

“We are seeing some excellent results – and this is down to local GPs and the ILCP groups working with patients to help them make changes that can keep them healthy, whether they already have diabetes or are at risk of developing it.”