Home / Health / Cornwall Veg Boxes Cut Blood Sugar
Cornwall Veg Boxes Cut Blood Sugar
13 Nov
Summary
- Free weekly veg boxes and cooking groups improve diabetes management.
- Participants report significant drops in HbA1c blood sugar levels.
- Pioneering 'veg on prescription' scheme originates in Cornwall.
A pioneering 'veg on prescription' initiative in Cornwall, named WellFed, is yielding promising results for individuals managing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. The program provides participants with free weekly vegetable boxes and facilitates group cooking and gardening sessions.
Numerous participants have reported notable improvements in their blood sugar levels, weight, and general sense of wellbeing. For instance, Chris Longthorp, 74, saw his HbA1c level decrease from 50 to 42. Johanna Evans, 85, who previously favored traditional Cornish dishes, expressed surprise at enjoying the healthy meals prepared.
The WellFed scheme, believed to be the first of its kind in England, operates across 20 sites in Cornwall, with GPs referring patients. Preliminary impact reports indicate participants feel more confident in managing their health and have observed reductions in HbA1c levels, moving from diabetic to pre-diabetic ranges.
Delivered by Volunteer Cornwall and funded by Cornwall council public health and the NHS, the project aims to create health rather than just treat illness. Local GPs like Dan Rainbow and Mike May endorse the initiative, noting its community-driven approach and positive impact on health outcomes in areas with high pre-diabetes rates.
