This is your Diabetes Week

During this year’s Diabetes Week (13 to 19 June), healthcare professionals in Lancashire and South Cumbria are supporting local residents to understand more about diabetes and to increase confidence in managing the condition.

In the UK, it is estimated that more than 4.9 million people have diabetes. If nothing changes, it is predicted that this number will rise to 5.5 million people by 2030.

The annual campaign, led by Diabetes UK, will this year focus on the theme of ‘celebrating you’ and encourages people to share their lived experiences of diabetes.

Living with diabetes isn’t easy. Those diagnosed need to eat healthily, take regular exercise and carry out blood tests to ensure their blood glucose levels stay balanced. People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes also require regular insulin injections.

Structured education programmes to help people living with diabetes better manage their condition are available through the NHS for people living in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Speaking ahead of Diabetes Week, Dr Cathy Hay, clinical lead for diabetes for Lancashire and South Cumbria, said:

“Diabetes affects more people in the UK than any other serious health condition.

“If you’ve been diagnosed, managing your condition is important. By leading a healthy lifestyle and managing your diabetes well, you can reduce the risk of complications.

“The structured education programmes, now available across the whole of England, put you in control of your own health by developing those vitally important self-management skills, and empowering you to set achievable goals for diabetes self-care.”

My Type 1 Diabetes is a free online platform that offers tailored advice and information created by NHS experts and people living with type 1 diabetes.

Adults with the condition, their families and carers, and healthcare professionals can visit www.mytype1diabetes.nhs.uk to access information about type 1 diabetes through videos, articles, and accredited online education courses.

Translated resources are also available in other languages including Polish, Spanish and Urdu.

Support for those living with type 2 diabetes is available via Healthy Living for People with Type 2 Diabetes, an online programme clinically proven to help participants live well with their type 2 diabetes.

Those aged 18 and over, as well as family members and carers, can start the Healthy Living programme at www.healthyliving.nhs.uk

You can find out more about diabetes support in Lancashire and South Cumbria at www.healthierlsc.co.uk/diabetes