Today marks the start of Diabetes Week, an annual awareness and fundraising week organised by Diabetes UK. Figures released earlier this year indicate that over 3.2 million adults in the UK have diabetes, so now is a good time to consider whether you or someone you know may be at risk.
As well as highlighting the need to do more to prevent Type 2 Diabetes, which accounts for most of the increase and is closely linked to being overweight, Diabetes UK has warned that with one in 17 people now diagnosed with the condition, the need to improve diabetes healthcare is now more urgent than ever.
We have been working to support more patients than ever to manage their condition; our Diabetes Health Champions programme is one way we are doing this.
Launched in September, Bristol Community Health have worked with Bristol City Council to train health champions to raise awareness of Diabetes to people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities within Bristol.
Type 2 Diabetes usually occurs over the age of 40 in white people, but Black and South Asian people can get Type 2 Diabetes from the age of 25. Getting treatment early can reduce the risk of developing complications such as stroke, blindness, heart disease and amputations. This is why it is so important to raise awareness of Type 2 Diabetes among people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BME) communities.
31 champions have been trained to understand key messages and with their knowledge of the local communities and cultural values, help spread the word about diabetes by organising stands, talks and healthy living days. They have explained what Type 2 diabetes is, who is at risk, signs and symptoms, myths and misconceptions, complications and the Bristol Community Health/NHS services that are available.
This week also sees the launch of the first Dietitians Week, organised by the British Dietetic Association.
Dietitians Week was established as part of 'Trust a Dietitian,' the latest BDA campaign, which highlights the work and worth of dietitians and the dietetic profession in the UK. It aims to demonstrate and promote the great variety of roles within the profession and the significant impact dietitians have on public health. More information can be found at www.DietitiansWeek.com.
Our Diabetes Education Team develop and facilitate a range of courses to help support those living with diabetes. These are aimed at those with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, and can help address a number of issues that those with diabetes may face.
Alongside these courses, we have also developed a range of videos to help promote self care at home. These videos are aimed at supporting those with diabetes to access medically accurate information in their own time, to ensure that they are managing their diabetes effectively. To access the videos, click here.
If you have any questions, you can contact us by visiting our diabetes service page here.
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