Rebecca Harris MP for Castle Point has shown her support for people living with diabetes by attending a reception in Parliament hosted by Diabetes UK. The event was attended by more than 70 MPs, and attendees heard from Diabetes UK chief executive, Chris Askew OBE, and people with lived experience of diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in people of working age in the UK and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.
People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. About 8% of people with diabetes have type 1. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable.
People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (known as insulin resistance). Around 90% of people with diabetes have type 2. They might get type 2 diabetes because of their family history, age and ethnic background puts them at increased risk. They are also more likely to get type 2 diabetes if they are overweight. It starts gradually, usually later in life, and it can be years before they realise they have it. Type 2 diabetes is treated with a healthy diet and increased physical activity. In addition, tablets and/or insulin can be required.
If you are worried that you, your child or someone you know may have diabetes, please look out for the signs and symptoms of diabetes – which you can find here.
Rebecca Harris MP commented:
“It was great to hear about the fantastic work Diabetes UK is doing to improve the lives of people with diabetes.
“Having some diabetes symptoms doesn’t mean you definitely have the condition, but you should always contact your GP, just to make sure.”
Helen Kirrane, Head of Policy, Campaigns and Mobilisation at Diabetes UK said:
“We are so grateful to Rebecca Harris MP for attending our event in Parliament. Her support has helped us to raise the voice of people living with diabetes among key stakeholders and decision-makers.”
For more information, including regional contact information, local support groups and activities near you, please visit Diabetes UK at: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/.
