People in Norfolk and Waveney are being encouraged to keep an eye out for signs of diabetes - as part of a global awareness day
Today (Sunday 14 November) is World Diabetes Day
Health chiefs are urging people in Norfolk and Waveney to learn more about the symptoms of diabetes in a bid to help prevent more people from developing the disease.
Today, Sunday 14 November, is World Diabetes Day, which this year celebrates 100 years since the discovery of insulin whilst also aiming to shed light on the condition and its symptoms in order to encourage people to understand the risks and take action early.
More than 12 million people in the UK are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes – a lifelong condition that affects day-to-day wellbeing and poses a significant risk to health. Type 2 diabetes can lead to:
• heart disease and stroke
• nerve damage (loss of feeling and pain)
• foot ulcers, infections and lower limb amputation
• vision loss and blindness
• miscarriage and stillbirth
• reduced kidney function
• sexual problems – like problems getting or keeping an erection
To help detect the early indicators of diabetes and prevent the disease, the Protect NoW team in Norfolk and Waveney is leading a primary care collaborative to help to identify people with risk factors that indicate they are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes in the future.
This proactive and innovative project that means local practices can pick up on early warning signs and offer people a referral into the NHS Healthier You Diabetes Prevention programme. Early intervention and support from Healthier You coaches supports people to make the healthy lifestyle changes that can significantly cut their risk of developing diabetic disease (Type 2).
Dr Clare Hambling, the GP clinical lead for diabetes with Norfolk and Waveney CCG, said:
“We want to raise awareness this World Diabetes Day about the fantastic efforts already underway across Norfolk and Waveney to tackle diabetes head on. We now know that people living with Type 2 diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with COVID-19, so it’s more important than ever that we help prevent people from developing the disease.
“Through our Protect NoW programme we are working to increase referrals of those who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes into the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention programme before the disease develops. Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed by eating a healthy, balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping physically active, but we know that some people need support to make these lifestyle changes and stay motivated.”
This World Diabetes Day, Diabetes UK is encouraging people to paint their fingernails blue on Sunday 14th to raise awareness of diabetes and help fund more life-changing research breakthroughs. Find out more about how to take part by visiting their NailingDiabetes fundraising page.
Diabetes UK has also developed a short video called Diabetes Symptoms – Signs of all types of Diabetes to help people recognise the signs of diabetes and raise awareness of the symptoms so people can get help early.