Diane calls for action on diabetes ahead of World Diabetes Day this Sunday

Diane has spoken her wish for people to take the threat of developing diabetes seriously ahead of World Diabetes Day this Sunday.

Diane says the illness not only affected her late mother, but that a number of family members are also diabetic, and that she also has a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes herself.

She says many of her constituents are also at risk of developing the illness but don’t get diagnosed as soon as they should because they misinterpret the symptoms.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in people over 40, from Black Caribbean and Asian backgrounds and can be more common in those who have a history of the illness in the family. Symptoms can include fatigue, frequent urination, blurred vision and leg pain .

Diane said:

“I have a particular interest in diabetes for a number of reasons. My late mother had onset diabetes and a number of close family members suffer from it. I also know that I am more likely than the general population to develop diabetes so it is an issue I take very seriously.

It’s also a huge problem in Hackney and many people can miss the signs for years without getting diagnosed, and can develop serious health problems as a result.

I think that we need to change our approach. Diabetes is a huge expense for the NHS, but it is an illness that can be treated and maintained. We need to encourage more people to take action and get checked out rather than taking preventative measures further down the line.

I want people to be far better informed about diabetes and the symptoms and take seriously, as I do, the risk factors that may apply to them. ”

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