Diabetes Week 2020

Diabetes Week 2020

What is Diabetes week?

Diabetes Week is a nationwide initiative, started by charity group Diabetes UK. The week has become the main focus for the charity's awareness, campaigning and fundraising activities.

This year Diabetes Week is from 8th to the 14th June.

Diabetes is a complicated and challenging illness, with many people living with the condition undiagnosed. It affects nearly 1 in 15 of us here in the UK and affects peoples lives significantly.

More and more research needs to be done to help find ways to prevent and treat the condition. That is what this week is all about, and it's essential to spread the knowledge and educate people about Diabetes.

Some things you might not know about Diabetes

• There are nearly 4.8 million people in the UK living with Diabetes – more than cancer and dementia combined. It's estimated that this includes one million people who don't even know they have Diabetes.
• WHO estimates that Diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in 2016.
• Anyone can get Diabetes - it doesn't matter about your age, ethnic background, diet or lifestyle; it can affect you at any time in your life.
• There are two main types of Diabetes - Type 1 and Type 2.
  • Type 1 is managed by insulin injections or pumps.
  • Type 2 is managed by diet, exercise and sometimes medication.
• It doesn't have to stop you from living your life. There are many professional athletes, business people, musicians and even world leaders that have Diabetes.
• A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining healthy body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 Diabetes.

What you can do to help

Usually, there are hundreds of community fundraising events all across the country. However, this year is going to be slightly different due to the COVID-19 restrictions for events in the UK.

That's why it's even more vital that we try to help spread awareness for this great cause throughout this time and continue to donate and spread the message.

If you would like to donate to the charity Diabetes UK, you can follow this link here.

If you would like some more information on Diabetes and help with treating it, please visit: Diabetes UK or the Diabetes Community.