Innovative new app helping to tackle diabetes in Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Havering

Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Havering are one of eight pilot areas selected to trial the Liva Healthcare app.

Patients at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes have been encouraged to use the app, which uses a dedicated health coach, online peer support groups and video consultations to help them make healthier lifestyle choices.

Patients can also set and monitor lifestyle goals such as exercise and diet electronically and submit blood tests.

Sharon Reeve, a nurse based in Barking and Dagenham, said: “The programme has been well received. We usually get an interest or referral at least once a day.

“Liva has freed up time of GPs and nurses, allowing them to see more patients.

“We offer the programme to patients as an option and what seems to really draw them in is that the Liva programme enables a patients as an option and what seems to really draw them in is that the programme enables a patient’s blood sugar to be checked every three months versus the traditional route that only offers it once a year.

“Patients also like that it is a two-way commitment. They are not all giving, they get some back too - that is the key to success.”

Simon Pickup, managing director at Liva Healthcare UK, who have developed the app, said: “We are really pleased with how the pilot is going. It’s great to see the benefits patients are having by introducing lifestyle changes, such as watching what you eat and increasing exercise.

“Patients have reported weight loss of up to a stone in their first two months on the programme. The relationship with the health coach is key – this is what can change lives.

“Digital health tools, when combined with a personal relationship, have been clinically proven to prevent and reverse Type 2 diabetes.

“Currently every two minutes someone in the UK finds out they have Type 2 diabetes. It is our mission to combat this lifestyle disease.”