Advice to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition is to be made available via a NHS online portal. Some 11 sites will pilot the service later this year before it goes national in 2020.

There are currently more than 2.8 million people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and a further 750,000 people are believed to be undiagnosed. A range of online tools, resources and support services will be made available including educational courses, information and support.

Professor Jonathan Valabhji, national clinical director for diabetes and obesity for NHS England said: “Access to trusted information and support is key to helping people manage their diabetes and this online tool helps deliver this as part of our Long Term Plan to tackle major conditions and diseases.

“We are living in an increasingly digital age with people managing most aspects of their life online, the rollout of this programme will give people the opportunity to get support for their type 2 diabetes online too,” he added.