Diabetes sufferers in Carmarthenshire have seen huge improvements to their health thanks to an award-winning scheme aimed at helping them better manage their condition.

The Hywel Dda University Health Board programme of patient education sessions won the award from X-PERT Health, a charity set up to underline the importance of keeping patients informed and aware of their conditions.

The award was presented after the Hywel Dda scheme received the highest scores for patient empowerment and satisfaction.

The education sessions have ensured that patients have felt better able to manage their condition.

Claire Hurlin, Hywel Dda’s head of chronic conditions management, said: “Of all the award categories available we are so proud to win this one which shows what a difference the programme can make to patients.

“Some conditions such as diabetes can often be positively influenced by lifestyle, self-care and appropriate management at home and in the community, thereby avoiding hospital admissions.

“To actively self-manage or self-care, individuals need confidence and skills to manage their health on a daily basis.

“They also need to be able to engage the effective support from the health professionals they work with who can act as a resource to them. This award recognises the good work being undertaken by our teams to achieve this.”