A PAIR of Oxford health care professionals are set to become 'Diabetes Champions', to help transform treatment for people living with the condition in the South East.

Angela Hargreaves, a diabetes dietician, and Katie Hards, a diabetes specialist nurse, who both work for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will join a two-year leadership development programme, supported by Diabetes UK.

They will find areas in need of improvement and drive changes to the diabetes services that people in Oxford receive.

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Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. There are over 30,000 people living with diabetes in Oxfordshire.

If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as sight loss, amputation, kidney failure and stroke.

Diabetes care can vary widely in different regions, and many people struggle to access the services they need to manage their condition well.

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Ms Hargreaves said she was 'thrilled' about her new role, adding: "I will be able to do this by working with GP practices across the county to ensure that all health professionals give up to date and consistent dietary advice to people with Type 2 Diabetes.”

Ms Hards said: “I am so pleased to have been granted this opportunity to undertake the Diabetes UK Clinical Champion role.

"It is a fantastic opening to network and develop leadership skills, and enhance the quality of care and service we offer to people living with diabetes locally, nationally and internationally."

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She added: "My project is focused on the integration of care service delivery to people who are having a pancreatectomies to support a seamless, effective and efficient pathway for this group and transfer the learning gained to other specialities within the diabetes services scope.”

The pair are two of 20 UK healthcare professionals, including consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists to be appointed as clinical champions this year.

Jill Steaton, regional head in the South East at Diabetes UK, said: “Investing in training and upskilling healthcare professionals can help reduce the number of serious diabetes-related complications, and in turn the devastating personal – and economic – costs they bring.

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"Clinical champions like Angela and Katie play a critical role in improving the treatment and support people with diabetes receive so that they can lead long and healthy lives.”

There are now 105 diabetes champions across the UK who form a network to share expertise, experience and best practice.