Are you at risk of developing diabetes?
By 2030 it is estimated 4.6 million people aged 16 and over in England, will have diabetes (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) with 90 per cent of those having type 2 diabetes.
The charity Diabetes UK estimates that around 850,000 people in England have diabetes but have not been diagnosed. Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.
Arun Wellbeing is working with the Prevention Assessment Team to run a Diabetes Awareness Day which will provide advice on lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Wellbeing Health checks will be on offer which will include measuring weight and hydration levels. A blood pressure check will also be available.
Members of the Wellbeing Team will also be on hand to provide information and advice about healthy lifestyles.
Sally Guile, Wellbeing Activity Co-ordinator, said: “There are lots of simple steps people can take to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. For example, eating more vegetables or increasing the amount of exercise you do are just some of the things which can decrease the likelihood of diabetes.”
Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Arun Wellbeing provides a valuable service, helping people in Arun live well for longer, which lessens the burden on local health and care services.”
The Diabetes Awareness Day takes place between 10am and 3pm at Bognor Regis Town Hall on Monday, 8 June.
It is advisable to book your Wellbeing Health Check in advance please call 01903 737862 or info@arunwellbeing.org.uk
ENDS
Editors’ Notes
Arun Wellbeing is funded by West Sussex County Council Public Health which has commissioned Arun District Council (and other local authorities across West Sussex) to deliver certain types of healthcare to the local community. It is a preventative service aimed at reducing the risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and open to all, but particularly those who are concerned about their health. You can be referred by your GP or refer yourself. The majority of our services are completely free of charge. We also have a wealth of information about other local services to pass on to you.
Figures on prevalence of diabetes are sourced from the Diabetes UK and NHS Choices websites (http://www.diabetes.org.uk and http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type2/Pages/Introduction.aspx)