January 27, 2009
MP MARKS DIABETES UK 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Wentworth MP John Healey signalled his continuing support for people with diabetes at a Parliamentary reception.
The reception marked the 75th anniversary of health charity Diabetes UK and launched a year of events that will recognise the progress made in diabetes care.
Mr Healey said: “There are over 4,000 people with diabetes in my constituency alone and with 400 people being diagnosed with diabetes every day in the UK - equal to one person every three minutes - the condition is one of the biggest health challenges currently facing the UK.
“Moving diabetes up the political agenda in Diabetes UK’s 75th anniversary year is a must if we are to curb this growing health crisis and see a reduction in the number of people being diagnosed with this serious condition.”
A key campaign for Diabetes UK in 2008 has been supporting children with diabetes in schools and as part of this in November Mr Healey met two Rotherham schoolchildren in London as part of the charity’s lobby of Parliament.
Mr Healey has since been working with Rotherham Council and NHS Rotherham to make sure as much as possible is being done to improve support and understanding.
Also last year Mr Healey helped launch and became president of Wath diabetes group.
Diabetes UK Chief Executive Douglas Smallwood, said: “There are three million people in the UK with diabetes. Our mission is to improve the lives of people with the condition and work towards a future without diabetes.
“In our 75th year we will be remembering the achievements of all our committed supporters: volunteers, members and donors as well as the healthcare professionals, campaigners and Diabetes UK staff who are committed to helping people with diabetes and their families.”
Diabetes is a serious condition that, if not managed effectively, can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. Short-term complications of the condition include hypoglycaemic episodes, known as ‘hypos’, can lead to unconsciousness and hospitalisation if left untreated. However, effective diabetes management from the time of diagnosis can reduce the risk of these complications.
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