A NEW pilot scheme aimed at preventing diabetes through using digital technology is to be trialled in East Lancashire.

Lancashire and South Cumbria is one of eight pilot areas selected to test drive a range of apps, gadgets and other online tools, as the battle against type two diabetes goes digital.

Around 250 people in Lancashire and South Cumbria will take part in the pilot which will involve five companies and eight areas of the country.

Users will be able to access health coaches and online support groups as well as set and monitor goals electronically.

Some patients will also receive wearable technology to help them monitor activity levels and receive motivational messages and prompts, which is being made available on the NHS for the first time.

More than 5,000 people are expected to benefit from the nine-month project, which has seen NHS England, Public Health England and Diabetes UK team up with leading providers from the tech sector.

It follows the launch of Heathier You: The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme last year to support people who are at high risk of developing type two diabetes.

Dr Amar Ali, the diabetes lead for NHS Blackburn with Darwen Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said the new digital stream of the diabetes prevention programme would make it more accessible and appealing to thousands of people in the borough.

He said: “Over 16,000 people are at risk of developing diabetes in Blackburn with Darwen, so we want to do as much as we can to bring those numbers down.

“The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP) face to face sessions are having early success, with a large uptake attending sessions.

“We anticipate this will grow even more with the roll out of the digital pilot.”

Dr Amanda Thornton, digital health clinical lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: “There is emerging research demonstrating remote or virtual delivery of lifestyle change conversations can be as effective as face-to-face with your GP or other healthcare provider.

“This national pilot project aims to rigorously test digital as an alternative to clinic based diabetes programmes with a view to making this option available to all.”