Diabetes Week: Help and advice
There are almost 3.5 million people with diabetes in the UK, and a further million more undiagnosed
This week is Diabetes Week - raising awareness, and celebrating the diabetes community.
It is organised by the charity Diabetes UK which has a long history of campaigning.
The week is all about creating awareness of the condition and encouraging people to share their experiences of living with diabetes.
Diabetes is a health condition that can have a major impact on your life. Knowledge of the causes of diabetes can help to reduce the risk.
Around 700 people a day are diagnosed with diabetes. That’s the equivalent of one person every two minutes.
Since 1996, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK has more than doubled from 1.4 million to almost 3.5 million.
It is estimated that there are around 1.1 million people in the UK who have diabetes but have not been diagnosed.
Help and advice:
▪ Diabetes UK Helpline: 0345 123 2399 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) or email helpline@diabetes.org.uk
▪ Support Forum: Check out Diabetes UK's support forum, an online community where you can chat to and share experiences with others living with and affected by diabetes. It's free to use, and there 24/7.
▪ Learning Zone: Join the free online Learning Zone for simple, practical information from diabetes experts – tailored to you. It covers a wide range of helpful topics, from the basics of diabetes management, food and exercise, to looking after your mental wellbeing.
▪ Eating with diabetes: The Enjoy Food section of Diabetes UK's website has meal plans, expert diet advice, food swaps, and hundreds of healthy, family friendly recipes.
▪ Know your Risk: Encourage your loved ones to find out their risk of type 2 diabetes with the charity's Know Your Risk tool. It only takes a few minutes, and could make a huge difference to someone’s health.