Local MP Stephen Metcalfe is urging residents of South
Basildon and East Thurrock to have their risk of Type 2 diabetes tested as part
of a campaign by Diabetes UK.
The Diabetes UK campaign
aims to help people understand the seriousness of
Type 2 diabetes, which can lead to devastating health complications such as
amputation, blindness and stroke, so that people understand the importance of
preventing it.
The campaign will also raise
awareness of the risk factors of the condition – being over 40 (or over 25 if
you are from a South Asian background); being overweight or having a close
family member with diabetes – and is urging people to take a risk
assessment if any of these risk factors apply to them. People can do this online
(www.diabetes.org.uk/riskscore),
by visiting a pharmacy or by going to their GP. Those at high risk can then be
given information about how to reduce their risk as up to 80 per cent of cases
of Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through healthy lifestyle
changes.
As well as identifying those at high risk, the campaign
is expected to identify some of the estimated 850,000 people in the country who
have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. It is really important that these people are
detected as if the condition is not diagnosed early, or is left untreated, it
is more likely to lead to devastating complications such as heart disease,
stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “Type 2 diabetes is a very serious
condition that can lead to devastating complications. Yet there are many people
in South Basildon and East Thurrock who might be at high risk of the condition
or already have it but don’t know it. It is important that these people get
assessed so that they can get the treatment and support that they need to
reduce their risk or manage the condition. It is one of the best things you can
do for your health and for your family!”
Barbara Young, Diabetes UK Chief Executive, said: “Diabetes
is one of the greatest health challenges that we face. There are 7 million
people at high risk of Type 2 diabetes and the rise of the condition is leading
to early deaths and devastating health complications and heartache to families.
It’s essential that people in South Basildon and East Thurrock get checked and
this is why I’m delighted that Stephen Metcalfe MP has added his/her voice to
this call.”
