Diabetes UK is calling for Black and Minority Ethnic Community Champions throughout Britain

Diabetes UK, the charity that campaigns on behalf of people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes recently  started a nationwide recruitment drive to appoint 1000 Community Champions from the Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community in Britain. There are not many of these ethnic groups involved in engaging with others about diabetes and yet all the statistics, empirical data and research point to the fact that they are the ones more prone or at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes at an earlier age than their white counterparts or actually have the condition. There are thousands of others who have never had a risk assessment for diabetes done by their doctor and that too is alarming. Other factors include metabolism/genetic structure, ethnicity and weight but even people of a healthy weight can develop diabetes.  

 

The good news is that this  medical condition in most cases is preventable or can be managed with good diet control and physical activity. Community Champion Anthony Kelly said "One must add that I am living proof of that as although  Type 2 diabetes runs in my family I have lived with this medical condition for 12 years and have never ever taken medication for it. "

 

"As some of you know I have been doing this  voluntary work since 2012 as one of the  Diabetes UK Community Champions who realize that there is a dire need to recruit more  BAME volunteers to deliver appropriate training and help to get the message out there.  Contrary to popular belief you do not have to have this medical condition in order to become a Community Champion. "

"Delivering the key messages via slides, dvd, etc is not rocket science. I can vouch for the  presentations, seminars and workshops that I do  in the Midlands by saying it is one of the most uplifting, enjoyable and rewarding experiences of my life. "