Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust piloted the patient-led scheme based on a government idea to try to empower people with a chronic health condition.

The course teaches people to deal with symptoms such as fatigue, pain, isolation and depression.

Previous programmes have focused on Parkinsons and multiple sclerosis.

"We know that patients often have a wealth of experience and knowledge about living with such health conditions as asthma, diabetes, arthritis and multiple sclerosis," said Becky Jarvis from the Trust.

Patients will receive information about good diet and nutrition and how to evaluate new treatments and information.