DIABETES sufferers should get family and friends involved in coping with the condition, research from a North-East university has found.

Having the support of loved ones in being physically active is among a list of ten top tips to combat Type 2 diabetes compiled by Newcastle University researchers.

Professor Mike Trenell, a specialist in physical activity and metabolic research, said while physical activity conjured up images of treadmills and marathons, walking, using the stairs and even moving more in everyday life could be effective in managing diabetes.

“This New Year, before reaching for the remote and yet another leftover Christmas treat, people should look at how they can move more and sit less,” he said.

“There’s growing evidence that moving more and keeping active not only prevents Type 2 diabetes but is critical in protecting us as we grow older.”

The tips list is: set physical activity goals, review your goals, plan to be active, get friends and family members involved, build on activity successes, get support, join local group activities, build on past successes, consider what might block success and research how such changes will make you healthier.

Between 2006 and 2011, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in England increased by a quarter to 2.5 million. Treating diabetes consumes ten per cent of the NHS budget.

Newcastle University researchers reviewed all randomised controlled trials examining changing physical activity and Type 2 diabetes.

The research is published in Diabetes Care.