Local MP attends parliamentary reception for World Diabetes Day

Jim Dobbin, MP

Jim Dobbin, MP for Heywood and Middleton, supported leading health charity Diabetes UK yesterday (11 November) as it demanded more education and better psychological support for people with diabetes in a new report released at the House of Commons in the run up to World Diabetes Day (14 November).

Diabetes UK launched "Supporting Self Management for people with diabetes", a report that looks at what people with diabetes need to ensure they are equipped to manage their diabetes. People with diabetes spend only a few hours a year with health professionals and so it is imperative that they have access to quality information, structured education, personalised care planning and access to healthcare professionals to reduce the risk of long term complications such as heart disease, stroke and blindness.

Jim Dobbin, who attended the parliamentary reception, said: "There are 5031 people with diabetes in Heywood and Middleton and it is vital that they are all armed with the knowledge and confidence to manage their diabetes effectively. That is why I am supporting Diabetes UK this World Diabetes Day in its bid to ensure that all people with diabetes have all the information and education they need."

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK, said: "People with diabetes make decisions about their diabetes management every day and want to maintain an independent, healthy and active life. If they need support to achieve this, it should be widely available. Self management does not mean that people are left to do everything on their own, but that health and social care professionals, peers and family members help to provide the support they need.

"This will not only ensure that people with diabetes face a healthier future but will also help cut the £1 million an hour that the NHS spends on diabetes complications."

To find out more about World Diabetes Day visit www.diabetes.org.uk/WorldDiabetesDay