HEALTH officials are recommending exercise for people who are suffering from diabetes.

Ten weekly sessions of education and exercise will be held by the Derwentside Primary Care Trust's (PCT) community diabetes team at two venues in the district from Monday.

The events, which will benefit people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, are being co-ordinated by Barbara Foster and Debbie Calland of the PCT's community diabetes team. The exercise programmes will give people with diabetes the chance to seek advice from the community diabetes team about any issues they may have and to enjoy an exercise class in a local setting.

Referral to these education and exercise programmes is through the patient's GP, practice nurses, diabetes nurse or a GP with a special programme in diabetes.

Ms Calland said: "The aim of these programmes is to increase the quality of the primary care diabetes service and to increase the propor-tion of diabetes care being delivered within the community.

"Equipped with the right knowledge and skills, patients can manage their diabetes much more effectively and get the best out of our diabetes service."

The sessions will be held at the Belle Vue Centre, in Consett, every Monday and Thursday and at the Louisa Centre, in Stanley, on Mondays and Wednesdays