This is diabetes stigma. And it causes real harm to millions.

That’s why we’re on a mission to ‘Strike Out Stigma’.

To show people that nobody chooses diabetes. That it isn’t anyone’s fault. And that by changing the way we talk about diabetes, together we can create a world where diabetes does no harm. - Diabetes UK Diabetes Week 2026

We are so lucky to have our PCN dedicated Diabetes Care Coordinator, Rowena Hoseason:

Rowena works alongside our nursing and GP teams to help support patients who already have or who might develop Type 2 diabetes in future.

Many of the serious long-term complications associated with diabetes can be prevented or reduced, and she works 1:1 with patients to identify the easiest and most effective tactics for their personal situation.

Rowena’s background in clinical nutrition and more than 20 years of personal experience managing diabetes means that we can look for practical, real-world strategies - taking into account other conditions like high BP or cholesterol, gallstones or liver issues.

Over the last three years it's been especially rewarding to see many people who've successfully lowered glucose levels, often reducing the amount of medication needed, sometimes returning glucose to the normal range - either preventing or putting diabetes into remission.

There are also several brilliant programmes to help support people with or at-risk from diabetes, like the NHS diabetes prevention programme, or the 'soups and shakes' Path to Remission scheme. If patients are interested in these, we can talk through the details and arrange a referral.

And of course there's also our PCN's in-house Diabetes & You programme which health coach Helen and I present. This is for anyone with Type 2 diabetes, and offers three F2F group sessions. More than 75% of the people who attend this programme lower their glucose levels in the next 12 months - and improve many other aspects of health and wellbeing at the same time.

Rowena is also one of the people working behind the scenes - it might be Rowena who invited you for a blood test or left a reminder on your voicemail! Or you might see her at a health fair or wellbeing event, providing info about diabetes prevention and management.

If you ever have any questions about diabetes, she is always happy to have a chat either on the phone or F2F at Holsworthy, Stratton and Hatherleigh. Just contact her via reception at your own surgery.

Rowena Hoseason 😊

CHECK YOUR RISK ⬇️

Know Your Risk | Diabetes UK Risk Score

Published: Jun 9, 2026