Birmingham Diabetes Programme Transforms Lives and Health Outcomes

A diabetes support programme in Birmingham has significantly improved the health and wellbeing of residents, helping them manage their diabetes and address related health issues. Funded by the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System’s £22.2 million Fairer Futures Fund, the initiative was launched by the community organization Communities Engage and Thrive and the charity Saathi House.

The six-week programme has not only assisted participants in controlling their diabetes but has also made strides in improving mental health. Feedback from attendees highlights the transformative impact of the course, with many expressing a desire for its expansion to benefit additional communities.

Personal Success Stories

Participants like Satish Kumar, aged 72, shared their experiences, emphasizing the course’s role in avoiding insulin treatment. “My sugar level had gone up, and my consultant said he would put me on insulin, which I didn’t want,” he stated. “This programme has helped me a lot. It brought my sugar level down, my blood pressure down, and changed my eating habits.”

Another participant, Naz Akhtar, 50, initially skeptical, found the programme life-changing. “I suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, almost to the point of being agoraphobic,” she explained. “Health-wise, I’ve lost weight, my sugars are better, and I’ve halved my medicine. More importantly, my mental health has drastically improved. I would recommend it to everybody.”

Participants have reported significant health improvements, with 52 percent of individuals completing the course showing reduced blood sugar levels. So far, 96 individuals have completed the programme, with an additional 24 expected to finish by the end of the year.

Holistic Approach to Health

According to Parveen Talwar, Founder and Director at Communities Engage and Thrive, the programme addresses various health conditions beyond diabetes. “Although this is a diabetes management programme, many participants also deal with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and anxiety,” she noted. “We are collecting impactful data showing improvements in stress levels and sleep quality.”

Councillor Mariam Khan, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, emphasized the importance of this initiative in West Birmingham. “Type 2 diabetes is prevalent in our area, and this course empowers people to learn about better lifestyle choices,” she said. “It’s not just about preventing diabetes; it’s about addressing other health issues people face.”

The programme aims to create a lasting impact within the community, with plans to establish a training academy to develop diabetes and weight management champions. As the first year of funding nears completion, the initiative has already demonstrated notable success in fostering healthier lifestyles among participants, underscoring its potential for broader application across various communities.