Barnet Council is planning a number of activities across Diabetes Week (11-17 June) to help improve understanding and raise awareness of this disease.
Every day, 65 people die early as a consequence of diabetes and hundreds of others live with life-changing complications.
There are nearly 20,000 people in Barnet alone with diabetes, and having this disease brings an increased risk of stroke, heart attack and need for amputation.
With good management people can lead longer, healthier lives, with complications being delayed or even avoided. It is therefore important to have a good understanding of the condition, which many people unfortunately don’t.
While type 1 diabetes is not preventable, type 2 diabetes can be which makes it vital to be aware of its risk factors and know how to reduce your risk.
There are a number of activities planned throughout the week including: community stands, demonstrations of outdoor gym equipment in Barnet parks, awareness talks, risk assessment and screening, and a diabetes awareness parkrun.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Brian Salinger, said: “Diabetes is an extremely common disease, but awareness of how it can be prevented is quite low.
“Through a series of events ,we hope to raise awareness and give residents a place they can turn to for health advice. I encourage everyone to come along to one of the events, such as the screening and awareness event at Brent Cross, to find out more information.”
For more information and to view the activities being planned throughout the week, visit: barnet.gov.uk/diabetesweek