A NEW scheme is helping diabetics to lead a healthy lifestyle despite their condition.

The scheme, run by Durham City Council's Abbey Leisure Centre and the city's University Hospital, has had ten referrals from the hospital's diabetes department during a ten-week pilot.

As well as taking exercise, people have been taught about diet, managing their condition and living healthily.

"All of the people who have taken part in the scheme have been very pleased with the session,'' said lifestyle instructor Kim Varley.

"All the participants had a one-to-one screening with a diabetes nurse and then the programme monitored and gave them advice, with relaxation and exercise routines among other things.

Centre manager Brian Byrne said: "The feedback from everyone has been fantastic and everyone wants to continue with regular exercise sessions, so much so that we are hoping to provide a rollover programme for people who would like to continue with their regular exercise sessions.''

Durham's mayor, Mary Hawgood, visited the centre yesterday to see how the scheme is operating and meet the participants.