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Gemma Doyle MP helps to raise awareness of diabetes
Gemma Doyle, MP for West Dunbartonshire joined volunteers from the International Diabetes Federation this week to raise awareness of the increasing prevalence of diabetes in the UK.
Diabetes, in particular type 2 diabetes, is a significant and growing health issue, affecting over 382 million people worldwide. The IDF and its member organisations – which include Diabetes UK – are working to improve the public awareness of diabetes as a major disease and to ensure that people with diabetes receive the high quality treatment they need to avoid unnecessary complications.
Around 3.2 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, but it is estimated that a further 850,000 people may be living with the condition without realising it. This means that around 1 in 16 people in the UK are living with the disease. If diagnosed early, diabetes can be actively managed to help mitigate the serious consequences of the disease.
Beyond the human cost of diabetes, there is also a significant financial burden on the NHS and wider society as the result of preventable complications. It was estimated in 2011 that £9 billion per year from the NHS budget is spent on diabetes. When loss of working days through hypoglycaemia, early death and informal care are taken into account, it is estimated that the cost to the UK is a massive £23.7 billion.
Gemma met with healthcare professionals at a special event in Westminster to find out more about the disease and have a diabetes test herself.
Speaking after the event Gemma said: “With diabetes rates increasing across the country and around the world, I am pleased to support the International Diabetes Federation in raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Getting tested takes only a few minutes and could save you years of illness. I would urge those who are concerned about diabetes to talk to their GP or pharmacist, and consider having a blood glucose test just as I did this week.”