Redditch MP 'delighted' to start debate on issues stopping diabetics accessing physical activity
Chris Bloore has led the first parliamentary debate titled 'Diabetes in Sport' last Wednesday (3 September)
Continuing to highlight issues surrounding people with diabetes being involved with sport and physical activity will remain a priority, says Redditch's MP.
Labour's Chris Bloore led a debate in the House of Commons last Wednesday (3 September) on the subject, with members from other parties expressing their support.
Recent NHS data estimates 5.6 million people in the UK are living with diabetes.
The MP says it is a real issue that's impacting people and there's stigmas and barriers surrounding it which need breaking down.
He's 'delighted' the debate got a good turn-out and it's just the start of looking at ways to tackling this.
"It's not just an issue about sport and participation within sport, it's a health and economic issue as well," he said.
"When we're trying to encourage people to live healthier lives and reduce pressures on our NHS, we've got to make sure they have the outlets to stay fit, to stay healthy, and to regulate themselves.
"We're being very clear to the diabetes community now though that we need people to come and keep giving us the evidence, keep giving us the positive experiences, the bad experiences, so that when we have that ministerial meeting we'll be able to give the most positive case for change."
Chris was joined in parliament for the debate by Chris Bright from his constituency.
Mr Bright, who has type 1 diabetes himself, has represented Wales' national futsal squad and founded The Diabetes Football Community, a national network supporting footballers with diabetes, as well as their families.
He then approached his MP as he wants to see better provision made for people with diabetes to give them fair access to physical activity.
"We need more ideas, we need more conversations around this and the MPs beginning that with an adjournment debate is huge," he said.
"It gives it the exposure that it needs for this particular issue to raise its profile in a national way which then hopefully means we begin on that path to tackling some of those problems.
"I just hope that this begins a conversation into change and we start seeing solutions being thought of and hopefully then resources come as a result to make this difference."
There's currently no cure for type 1 diabetes - where the body cannot make a hormone called insulin, which is also something that cannot be prevented.
For type 2 diabetes though - where the body cannot make enough of a hormone called insulin - it can be prevented and managed with diet and exercise, or medicines.
Charity Diabetes UK estimates 6.3 million people are at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK based on blood sugar levels and that 1.3 million people are currently living with type 2 diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed.