A pioneering scheme is using text messages to help diabetics stay healthy.

The scheme, the first in the country, involves patients with type 1 diabetes texting the results of their daily blood sugar level tests to a special number.

The information is placed on a secure website which patients, parents and doctors can enter.

The levels are continuously monitored and doctors can contact patients if they have any concerns.

Type one diabetes tends to develop in children and young adults and means the body stops making insulin. Blood glucose levels can become very high, and can be treated with insulin injections and a healthy diet.

Callum Johnston, 15, from Anstey Heights, Leicester, is one of 20 young patients at Leicester Royal Infirmary taking part in the programme.

Callum was diagnosed with Type one diabetes when he was seven. He has been using the mobile system for several weeks.

He said: "This is much easier than writing numbers down.

"I have been online and looked at my figures and it does help me to understand them."

Leicester Royal Infirmary paediatric consultant James Greening said the aim of the project was to get diabetics used to managing their condition.

He said it was a routine they would need to get into for the rest of their lives to reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as circulatory disease and even blindness.

He said: "The patient can access their blood sugar measurements and be given an immediate response as to whether it's correct."

The trial has focused on children because they can find it difficult to control their diabetes.

He said: "There's very clear evidence that improved glucose control reduces the risk of developing complications."

The technology has been provided by t+ Medical Disease Management, which has funded a diabetes nurse to review the information being recorded.

The nurse can contact patients with advice on treatment.

The programme could be used for adults and patients with other chronic conditions such as asthma and high blood pressure.