Newham's Diabetes Community Champions.

Over 1,000 in Newham unaware they have diabetes

Melissa York, Reporter Thursday, July 19, 2012
6:00 AM

Over 1,000 people in Newham are estimated to have undiagnosed diabetes, according to health charity Diabetes UK.

More than 18,600 people in the borough have been diagnosed with a form of diabetes but around 1,200 are suspected of having Type Two diabetes where the body produces insufficient insulin which can go undetected for up to 10 years.

To spread awareness in the local area, Diabetes UK has trained up Diabetes Community Champions to teach people about the risk factors, symptoms, myths and misconceptions about the condition by holding events, giving talks, and encouraging people to be tested by their GP or pharmacist.

The Champions have been raising awareness in ethnic minority communities in particular where people of an African Carribean background are three times more likely to develop Type Two diabetes while South Asian people are six times more likely.

Juliet O’Brien, Diabetes UK north London diverse communities officer, said: “Diabetes Community Champions regularly get out to miniority ethnic communities, improving the understanding and awareness of diabetes and helping to identify people at risk of developing Type Two diabetes.

“Diabetes is a serious condition that has potentially devastating complications if not diagnosed early enough or if it is not managed effectively.”