Diabetes UK Midlands and East in partnership with Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System are inviting people living with type 2 diabetes to attend a whole-day event in Norwich on the 26^th of September.

This is an opportunity to listen to talks and workshops by local healthcare professionals and experts on managing the condition, diet, exercise, mental health, and the checks they are entitled to, such as eye screening and foot care. Participants will also be able to ask questions, provide feedback on healthcare services and meet others living with diabetes or caring for someone with diabetes.

There are approximately 70,376 people (8% of the population) living with diabetes across Norfolk and Waveney who could be at risk from diabetes complications. This is the highest prevalence in the East of England and above the figure for England at 7.3%.

Despite the serious complications of diabetes, often called ‘the silent killer’, not all people with diabetes attend their annual health checks, the key diabetes care processes, and know where to access services.

Brioni Maker, Health Systems Engagement Lead (Midlands and East region) for Diabetes UK said, “We know living with diabetes can be hard, so this event aims to help people think about how they manage their condition and what support they need. Hearing from health experts and other people with diabetes may offer fresh insights into different aspects of care. Everyone’s journey is different. We know the last few years have been really challenging for so many people and we want to make sure people have access to good care, education, and support to help them live well with diabetes.”

Dr Clare Hambling, Specialty Advisor for diabetes in NHS Norfolk and Waveney said:

‘We are pleased to be working with Diabetes UK to support those who are living with type 2 diabetes a dedicated free event in September.

‘We know across Norfolk and Waveney, there are many people living with type 2 diabetes every day, so this event is an opportunity to learn how you can manage your condition better. If it is left untreated and poorly managed, it can lead to life changing complications, such as vision loss, kidney failure, amputation, heart disease and strokes. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and keeping your blood sugar levels under control, you can reduce the risk of complications.

‘As a reminder, those who are not sure if they are at risk of getting type 2 – a simple online tool can help and only takes a couple of minutes.’

The event is part of a wider project to engage with patients in the East of England, funded by the East of England Clinical Diabetes Network. Overall, it includes 12 diabetes education and engagement events, three of which are face-to-face and the distribution of thousands of information packs for the newly diagnosed, containing booklets on diabetes management and signposting them to services (NHS Talking Therapies, weight management, etc).

For more information about diabetes and the support available visit https://www.diabetes.org.uk/

To sign up for this free event go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/living-with-diabetes-day-norwich-tickets-608439327407?aff=erelexpmlt