Awareness is the key to prevention and diabetes wellbeing.

A big West End thank you to Susan from Diabetes UK for taking the time out to talk to us about all things Diabetes.   The sessions was really informative and a good opportunity to ask questions.

It was obvious to see that people want to know more about Diabetes, and by someone coming into the centre made this information more accessible for some.

The questions are what Diabetes is, why it’s so serious, how to reduce the risk of getting it and how to manage it.

We learned that it’s one of the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis.  We gained awareness of Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational diabetes. People may think that it affects those that are overweight, but this isn’t true.

• Diabetes is a condition where the amount of sugar in the blood is too high because the body can’t use it correctly.

• Body doesn’t make enough or produce any insulin at all.

• We need insulin to live and has an essential job by allowing sugar in our blood to give energy to our bodies.

• Being aware that the amount of carbs you eat can turn to sugar

We learned that in a survey they were around 8% Type 1 which produce no insulin, 90% Type 2 which can be supported by lifestyle changes and 2% had rarer type of diabetes. Pre-diabetes-blood glucose is higher than normal and unlikely to experience symptoms.

How can we support our wellbeing? : Contact your GP, Nurse practitioner for health check. If your 40 years and older every surgery provides and full (Human MOT) Health check and then every following 5 years. Online tools can be found on Diabetes UK, NHS online weight loss plan app.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/

You Shared

Frances “I’ve learned more today than I have with my doctor/nurse and that there is more help/support out there for me ”

Theresa “I went away with a lot more awareness on how I can support a family member. Lovely group and place to come”

Kathleen “Learned so much and information about the apps etc is very helpful. Love it here you are so welcomed”

Gena “learned more here today than I have in the past 10 years and met new people”

Susan “Lovely group of people and venue. Felt very welcomed and nice that people asked so many different questions. Thank you for having me”

G “Having it shared in presentation, group setting and talk. Its been support for me to understand”

Mick “Been able to access this information in an informal community centre rather than GP/Hospital removes some of the anxiety I feel which makes me more focused on what’s going on”

Diabetes UK will be back with us again later in the year, the date to be confirmed.