Volunteers with diabetes are needed to help with research into a new computer programme, designed to persuade patients to eat a healthier diet.

Researchers at Oxford University's diabetes trial unit, based at the Radcliffe Infirmary, are searching for 130 people to take part.

They will be asked to log their average monthly diet on a computer, which will then analyse the information and pinpoint the fat and carbohydrate content of each patient's diet.

It is hoped the data will encourage patients to regulate their own diet in a bid to control their diabetes.

The study focuses on type two diabetes, which usually affects people as they age and can often been controlled without medication. Dr Moira Geekie, a dietician researcher, said: "Diet for all people with diabetes is fundamental for treatment, and sometimes they don't need medication if they can control their food intake.

"We usually give these people a standard diet sheet, but we want to see if the computer programme helps them make their own improvements to their diet."

Each volunteer must have type two diabetes and be aged over 35. They will have to visit the RI five times a year to take part.

The trial unit is also searching for 40 people to take part in a study on whether type two diabetes can be halted with drugs.