PEOPLE in Somerset with diabetes will be the first in England to test a digital solution to improve day-to-day management of the condition.

My Diabetes My Way is an interactive website and smartphone app offering advice and information on managing blood glucose levels, eating sensibly and staying well.

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS England, Yeovil District Hospital, Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital and GPs hope to sign 3,000 people to the pilot scheme by October.

Dr Henk Bruggers, diabetes lead for Somerset CCG, said: "Somerset is seeing alarming rise in the numbers of people now being diagnosed with diabetes each year.

"Self-management of diabetes is vital and this requires the right information and the necessary motivation."

"Diabetes My Way personalises people's care and offers secure access to their own medical record.

"The damage caused to health when the condition is not well managed is not only serious for those affected, it is also costing almost 10 per cent of the health service budget treating conditions such as heart disease, kidney damage, sight loss and even amputation of limbs."

To register for My Diabetes My Way contact your GP or click here.