75 YEARS OF DIABETES UK

Hornchurch & Rainham MP James Brokenshire has marked the 75th anniversary of leading health charity Diabetes UK by attending a reception at the House of Commons.  The event launched a year of events that will mark the anniversary and recognise the progress that has been made in diabetes care over the last 75 years. 

The novelist HG Wells – who most famously wrote The Time Machine and The War of the Worlds - and Dr R D Lawrence, both of whom had diabetes formed the Diabetic Association in 1934, which later changed its name to the British Diabetic Association.  The charity’s aim was to ensure that everyone in the UK could gain access to insulin, whatever their financial situation.  Diabetes UK funds more than £7 million of research every year as well as campaigning and providing information and support.  For more information visit www.diabetes.org.uk.

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.  In the UK, there are currently 2.5 million people diagnosed with diabetes and it is estimated that more than half a million people have the condition but do not know it.

Mr Brokenshire said:

“There are almost 4,000 people with diabetes in Hornchurch, Elm Park and Rainham and with four hundred 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.”

“I’ve been pleased to support the activities of Diabetes UK in Havering – notably their annual ‘Walk in the Park’.  I wish them continued success in this very special year.”

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