13,000 people are living with diabetes in Milton Keynes as NHS Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group raises awareness in Diabetes Awareness Week
NHS Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is backing Diabetes Awareness Week to encourage people in Milton Keynes to join the fight against diabetes and be aware of the symptoms.
Diabetes Awareness Week takes place from 11 – 17 June. This year’s theme, ‘Know Diabetes, Fight Diabetes’, encourages you to put the power in your hands and be aware to either prevent you getting diabetes in the first place, or to learn how to live well with the condition.
There are currently 4.5 million people in the UK living with diabetes, over 13,000 people are living with diabetes in Milton Keynes and 11.9 million more are at increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes in the UK. Diabetes can cause serious long-term health problems. It’s the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in people of working age. Diabetes is also responsible for most cases of kidney failure and lower limb amputation. People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to have cardiovascular disease, such as a stroke, than those without diabetes.
If you are overweight or obese, you're at an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, so maintaining a healthy weight is vital for prevention. With the summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to go for an evening walk, enjoy a bike ride, or get into a new sport. For more help with health and fitness there’s plenty of advice available at http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness/Pages/Fitnesshome.aspx
There are a number of ways of living well with diabetes which include:
• maintaining good physical and mental health
• preventing illness or accidents
• effectively dealing with minor ailments and long-term conditions
• getting the flu jab
• getting regular eye care
• maintaining healthy feet
• never drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.
In Milton Keynes Diabetes UK – MK provide help and support to people living with or affected by diabetes, details of what is available locally can be found at: http://miltonkeynes.diabetesukgroup.org/
Dr Nicola Smith, from NHS Milton Keynes CCG said: “We are urging everyone to join the fight against diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable and there are small changes to help us reduce our risks, such as getting active and eating better. If you are living with diabetes, you need to take an active role in your care. Sir Steve Redgrave is an Olympic gold athlete who’s learnt to live successfully with his diabetes to continue his sporting dreams; he’s a real inspiration of what people can achieve.”
If you would like to find out if you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes there is a simple online tool available that only takes a few minutes to complete: http://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start