Setting the record straight

8th June 2016

Diabetes Week 12th – 18th June

This year the theme of Diabetes Week is to help dispel the myths and misconceptions that surround diabetes.

Dubbed “Setting the record straight” campaigners are keen that the truth about diabetes is known by everyone because the illness is massively misunderstood.

Popular misconceptions include views like people with diabetes can’t play sport, it’s not safe to drive if you have the condition or that you have to eat special diabetic food.

All of these beliefs are wrong. People with diabetes can go on to live normal, healthy lives once they’ve been diagnosed and helped to manage their condition.

But it is vital that people get diagnosed as early as possible.

Currently there are over 14,200 adults in Stockport who are known to have diabetes but it’s estimated that a further 3,000 have the condition but haven’t been diagnosed.

Stockport CCG’s Chief Clinical Officer and local GP Dr Ranjit Gill explains: “It’s really important that people know what the symptoms of diabetes are because if the disease progresses unchecked it can do irreversible damage to a person’s health.

“We estimate that over 3,000 people in Stockport have diabetes but don’t know it. The problem with Type 2 diabetes is that its onset tends to be gradual so the symptoms are often ignored.
“If you, or a member of your family, are extremely thirsty, need to go for a pee a lot more than other people and are constantly tired and losing weight for no reason then go and see your GP.
“Don’t be afraid and don’t believe everything you hear about diabetes. There is so much we can do nowadays to manage diabetes that people can go on to live very normal and full lives as long as they deal it with.”

National charity Diabetes UK is calling on everyone who really understands diabetes to share straight talking stories, facts and videos to let everyone know the truth about diabetes.

The plan is to focus on what it’s actually like to live with it every day and talking about the things people with diabetes wish everyone knew about living with the condition.

For more information please visit their website at www.diabetes.org.uk