Diabetes is one of the UK’s biggest health crises, and it’s on the rise. Some 4.5 million people in the UK are living with diabetes, and 11.9 million in the UK are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Its impact and complications can be devastating, causing blindness, amputations, even early death.
Despite these huge numbers, fewer than two in five people think that they or their close family are likely to get diabetes. They aren't concerned about diabetes, and they don't understand or know what it is.
Leading charity Diabetes UK is aiming to change this, to make people sit up and take notice during Diabetes Week, which is taking place from Sunday 11 June to Saturday 17 June. The charity’s theme for Diabetes Week 2017, ‘Know Diabetes, Fight Diabetes’, reflects this call for change, asking others to join the campaign to make it happen.
Make no mistake, diabetes is a serious condition, but there are things you can do to help manage it and avoid developing serious complications.
The charity is bringing the ‘Know diabetes, fight diabetes’ theme to life by encouraging people with the condition to get in touch and share their knowledge and experience, to help and inspire others. What have you learned about diabetes which has made a difference for you? Help Diabetes UK fight for better care, more research and less stigma.
Throughout the week, there will be a range of events and initiatives organised by Diabetes UK which will raise awareness of this condition.
Enjoying what you eat is one of life’s pleasures. But sometimes we all need a little bit of help with healthy eating. That’s why, just ahead of Diabetes Week, from 22 May, Diabetes UK will be launching a new Food you love advertising campaign. The campaign, which will run for eight weeks including Diabetes Week, will feature real people living with diabetes cooking the food we all love but healthier. You can sign up for your free recipe videos and more at www.diabetes.org.uk/feelgood-food.
