Diabetes care in north-east Essex has massively improved, new figures reveal.

Latest data shows 72% of diabetes patients in the area are now receiving their eight recommended health checks each year, compared to 40.1% in 2014.

The percentage of patients being offered a tailored care plan is also up from 16.4% four years ago, to 78.2%.

As a result of the success, North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has extended Suffolk GP Federation’s contract to run the service for another two years.

Bosses say patient involvement in shaping the North East Essex Diabetes Service (NEEDS) has been essential to the improvements.

On Saturday, May 12, people are invited to attend a new event, titled ‘Diabetes and You’, at Weston Homes Community stadium in Colchester between 10am and 3pm to give their feedback and learn new tips for managing their condition.

Julie Smith, operations director at Suffolk GP Federation, said: “We are very pleased that we’ll be running NEEDS for another two years and look forward to welcoming patients and their carers to our special educational event on May 12.”

The event will include practical workshops as well as a chance to get advice and guidance from experts.

Father and son Geoff and Anthony Whitington – also known as ‘Fixing Dad’ and who have featured on the BBC – will be sharing their inspirational story of how Anthony and his brother helped their father overcome his battle with type 2 diabetes.

Another guest speaker, consultant dietitian Lindsey Oliver, will share ideas for improving self-confidence in controlling and managing diabetes.

Sam Hepplewhite, chief officer at the North East Essex CCG, said: “It is essential that people living with diabetes are given access to high quality care and support. This helps individuals to manage their own conditions as well as empower them to be further engaged in their own care, so they can lead happy and fulfilling lives. The work that NEEDS does is essential to facilitating this approach.”

Registration closes tomorrow – people can book a place online or via 0345 241 3313.