To mark World Diabetes Day on the 14th November, NHS Isle of Wight held two public Open Days highlighting the symptoms, risks and prevention of diabetes.

The Open Days were held in Newport at St Mary’s Hospital and the Riverside Centre and promoted foot care and nutritional advice for those with diabetes. Diabetes specialists and Diabetes UK were also on hand to offer advice. In addition, the Isle of Wight Council’s physical activity co-ordinators talked about the importance of staying active in helping to prevent the onset of diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. If left untreated it can lead to life threatening complications. However, if diagnosed early, the risk of serious health problems can be reduced and diabetes can be controlled.

There are two main types of Diabetes, Type 1 which is usually diagnosed at a younger age and requires treatment with insulin, and Type 2 which is preventable and can be treated with healthy eating, tablets and/or insulin.

Exercise can help prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes, so people attending the Open Day were invited to answer questions relating to the displays to enter a raffle to win a Wii and Wii Fit. The Wii and Wii Fit which were provided by sponsors allows users to undertake exercise such as aerobics and yoga in their own home.

The winner of the Wii and Wii Fit, Mrs Wendy Coker said,

“The day was so informative, I am very pleased I went along as I got a lot of information about preventing Type 2 diabetes. Winning the Wii and Wii Fit as well was an excellent bonus as my husband and I can stay active in our own home, at our own pace, without having to brave the cold winter weather.”

The Wii and Wii Fit was presented to Mrs Coker on the 17th November at a ceremony at St Mary’s Hospital.

At the presentation ceremony, Victor Lawrence, Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology also presented the Nabarro award to Mr Raymond Webb. The award from Diabetes UK is given to people who have had diabetes for 50 years. It demonstrates that having diabetes does not stop people from leading a full and active life, if diagnosed early and managed appropriately by both the patient and their diabetes care team. 

Mr Webb said’

“I have lived with diabetes for 55 years now and apart from not being able to eat sweets I have led a very normal life. I have been on the Island for the past 24 years and I can’t thank the Diabetes Centre enough for the excellent care I receive.”

Dr. Al-Mrayat, Clinical Director and Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology said,

“The Isle of Wight has been highlighted as an area with a good Diabetes Service and excellent patient and public involvement. However, individuals need to be aware of the risks of diabetes so that they can be diagnosed and treated appropriately.”

Dr. Al-Mrayat continued:

“The key to preventing type 2 diabetes, in the majority of cases, is a healthy life style and exercise. It is important to diagnose diabetes at early stage in order for us to start treatment promptly and screen for potential complications to prevent serious health problems. Having diabetes does not prevent one from leading an active life.”

Who is at risk of Diabetes?

If you are one or more of the following, you are at more risk of developing Diabetes:

• Does a close member of the family have type 2 diabetes (e.g. parent, brother or sister)?
• Are you overweight or your waist is 31.5 inches or over if you are a woman, or 37 inches if you are a man?
• Do you have high blood pressure or have you had a stroke?
• Are you a woman with polycystic ovary syndrome?
• Are you a woman and had gestational diabetes (or a baby over 9lbs at birth)?
• Have you been told you have an abnormal blood glucose level in the past?
• Some people from ethnic backgrounds such as Asian or African Caribbean may also be at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Common symptoms of Diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Passing urine more frequently especially at night
• Extreme tiredness
• Weight loss
• Slow healing of wounds
• Blurred vision

If you think you have any of the symptoms of diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes, please contact you GP practice for consideration for diabetes screening. If you have diabetes you will then be given advice on how to self manage your diabetes and if necessary begin medication.

Education sessions for people with Type 2 Diabetes are run by the Diabetes Specialist Team at St Mary’s Hospital. X-PERT is a 6-week course which is held at Cowes, Newport, Ryde and Sandown and covers subjects such as what diabetes is, healthy eating and living with diabetes.

In January 2010 the Island’s NHS will start running 6-week courses for people with Type 1 Diabetes.  The courses are designed to help increase their skills, knowledge and confidence in managing their diabetes. If you have diabetes and are interested in attending one of the courses please contact Helen Pascoe at the Diabetes Centre on 534248 or speak to your Practice Nurse.  

Over 6,100 people on the Isle of Wight have diabetes but there could be a further two thousand people who have it but are not aware.  

More information is available on the Diabetes UK website at www.diabetes.org.uk and on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk.