IT IS the scourge of our times and diabetes is only gaining more ground, with nearly 20,000 people now at risk of developing it in Swindon and more than 11,600 already living with it.

Some 18,535 people aged over 16 — 10.5 per cent of the town’s population — are on the cusp of Type 2 diabetes, according to the latest figures from Public Health England, meaning their blood glucose levels at the very high end of the ‘normal’ range.

This is on top of the 11,665 diagnosed with Type 1 and Type 2 — nearly 6.5 per cent of the local adult population compared to 6.2 per cent in the rest of England.

The endemic has become so serious that a new taskforce has been called by Swindon Council to tackle the issue and allow diabetics to take back control by learning coping strategies, how to manage their blood sugar levels and simple physical exercise to keep Type 2 medication at bay.

The pilot, Diabetes: Living With, Living Well Swindon, launched on September 7 with more than 30 participants enrolled.

It has already been renewed for a second run in January.

The 14-week project aims to improve diabetics’ quality of life, whether they suffer from Type 1, which often appears during childhood or Type 2, which is especially prevalent and is closely associated with poor diet and sedentary lifestyles in later life.

Part support group, nutrition tutorial and exercise class, the scheme brings together all the strands crucial to successfully managing the condition and reducing the risk of complications.

Until now they had been each the subject of stand-alone courses or workshops.

“It’s about improving people’s wellbeing and helping them manage their condition together,” said health improvement programme coordinator Matt Fruci, who leads the project.

“All the information is bite-size. When people are first diagnosed they might be overwhelmed so we will give them time to take in the information and apply that knowledge every week before progressing.

“We really want to dispel the myth around what people can and can’t do and help people learn how to improve their lives.”

Nationwide, the condition results in 22,000 early deaths and costs the NHS £8.8bn every year.

Complications include heart disease and stroke, eye problems and blindness, kidney disease and foot infections. If left untreated, these can lead to amputation.

The weekly group sessions at Pinetrees Community Centre start with 30 minutes of exercise, including resistance circuits, volleyball, croquet and walking football.

Each activity is followed by a talk from a guest speaker, ranging from dietitians and diabetes specialist nurses to researchers and individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Time is then set aside for participants to socialise, and share their setbacks and daily victories.

It is the social aspect of the project which caught Type 2 sufferer Lorraine Heath’s interest.

“For me it’s about learning, sharing coping strategies and taking responsibility for yourself,” said the council project coordinator from Highworth, who was diagnosed two years ago.

“It is a very serious condition and there is a lot of negativity surrounding it.

“When you get diagnosed it frightens the life out of you. The doctor reminds you of all the side-effects and what you can’t do. This project is actually something positive.

“It is nice to have fun as part of a group and belong. You get support and there is the motivation element.

“I manage it with medication but I would like to learn more and be able to do it through diet only.”

In Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. As no insulin is produced, the glucose levels increase, which can seriously damage the body’s organs.

People diagnosed with Type 1 need insulin injections for the rest of their lives.

In Type 2 diabetes the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin. It is often associated with obesity.

Family history, age and ethnic background can also affect a person’s risk of developing Type 2.

Ninety per cent of people with diabetes suffer from Type 2.

Salvatore Gallo, 62, is also hoping an improved diet will allow him to keep his blood sugar levels in check, without the need for medication.

“I did the council’s Diet Busters programme last year and I started looking after myself better. I am also doing the health walks,” said the former BMW employee from Stratton St Margaret, who was diagnosed with Type 2 last year, after being deemed at risk, or borderline, for two years.

“This project is combining the two and it is easier to do it with other people. Hopefully I will learn more about myself and how to control diabetes through diet. I would much prefer that than using medication.”

While the project could help patients like Lorraine and Salvatore to self-regulate their blood sugar better, no amount of lifestyle changes can be expected to ease the burden of Type 1 diabetes on sufferers.

However it is hoped the pilot, especially the exercise sessions, will benefit them.

Sarah Smith, who was diagnosed at the age of 11, believes the group will allow her to regain her confidence and build up her strength and stamina.

“All my life I’ve wanted to explore the world, but diabetes can be limiting. If there are new and better ways to manage it, which will help me to do this, I definitely want to give them a go,” said the 50-year-old from Walcot.

“For most of my life I’ve felt marginalised and unable to do things. I was a great swimmer at school but my teachers wouldn’t let me take part in the mile swim because they didn’t think I was strong enough.

“Things have come a long way and I’ve learned to deal with the condition as well as take advantage of the medical advances with treatment.

“But it’s still a massive part of my life and restricts, to some extent, what I can do. My ultimate goal is to change that.

“I used to go horse riding as a young child and adored it. I haven’t done that for 40 years because of the muscles in my wrist, but never say never.”