Cornwall launches vegetable prescription pilot for diabetes patients
A new programme in Cornwall gives free weekly vegetables and cooking classes to people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
Patients cook healthy meals together
Six participants prepared a low-GI shepherd's bake at a community orchard in St Ives. They massaged Swiss chard and diced carrots while adding lentils to the pot. The group included Chris Longthorp, 74, who admitted his previous diet lacked vegetables. Another cook was Johanna Evans, 85, a retired shop owner who loved fried food. She expressed surprise at enjoying sprouted bean and edamame meals prepared with help.
Programme reaches many sites across region
The WellFed scheme operates at 20 sites stretching from Launceston to the Isles of Scilly. More than 100 people have joined since GPs from over 20 surgeries referred patients. Volunteer Cornwall delivers the project with funding from Cornwall council public health and the NHS. A preliminary report by the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations shows positive results so far.
Blood sugar levels drop significantly
Most participants saw their HbA1c fall from the diabetic range to the pre-diabetic range during the trial. Chris Longthorp's blood glucose level dropped from 50 to 42 since joining the scheme. Diabetes UK warns that levels over 48 risk complications in eyes, kidneys and feet. Claire Judd, who leads the project, states that this pilot is thought to be the inaugural one in England.
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