Have your say about diabetes

Diabetes

Leading charity Diabetes UK is appealing to thousands of people across the country to take part in first-of-its-kind research aiming to shape the future of diabetes.

The charity is asking people from all backgrounds to take part in their biggest online survey designed to discover what really matters to people living with diabetes and their families.

Diabetes is one of our biggest growing health crises. About 4.5 million people in the UK have diabetes and a further 11.9 million are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes – a risk which is two to four times higher for people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Bridget Turner, Director of Policy and Care Improvement for Diabetes UK, said: “This incredibly important piece of research will help us really get to the heart of what matters to people living with diabetes. Our understanding depends on speaking to people from all backgrounds and communities. After all – they’re the real experts.

“The results of this survey will tell us about the issues that people with diabetes face in their day-to-day lives. That way we can make sure we are focusing on the things that really matter, and push for change where it really counts.”

The Future of Diabetes survey seeks to understand the different ways that living with diabetes can impact a person’s life. From healthcare services and medication, to how living with the condition can affect relationships and work and school life, Diabetes UK wants to understand which issues are most important to people living with diabetes, to bring about positive change.

Diabetes UK Community Champion, Rohit Patel, who works with people from various ethnic backgrounds, said: “I often talk to people in my community who don’t understand their risk of developing diabetes. Many others living with diabetes struggle to access vital services or the information they need to better understand and manage their condition.

“This survey offers us an opportunity to have our say in the changes we want to see for people living with or at risk of diabetes. I’ve already filled it out and I’d urge everyone else living with diabetes to do the same.”

Have your say (by 31 August 2017) at:

www.diabetes.org.uk/future-diabetes