More than 9,000 people in Merton have diabetes
A campaigner who wants people in Wimbledon to reduce their risk of getting diabetes is urging people to enjoy a night out at the cinema!
David Edwards, who has Type 1 diabetes and runs a Type 1 and Type 2 support group in Wimbledon, says that after enjoying a film people should check out the adverts about diabetes which will be on display at local cinemas including the Wimbledon Odeon from now until the middle of December.
Diabetes is a problem across Merton, with more than 9,000 people with the condition. Diabetes is serious and it can lead to blindness, amputation, heart attack and stroke.
But many people are unaware of the risk factors for diabetes, which include being overweight, having a larger waist, being over 40 (or 25 if you are South Asian) and having a parent or grandparent with Type 2 diabetes.
David (pictured right), who lives in Morden, says: "I want to let people know that there are simple, practical things they can do to reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes, the main one being to a maintain a healthy weight."
The Merton support group for people with diabetes meets on the third Monday of the month at the Wimbledon Guild, 30/32 Worple Road, Wimbledon. More information about the group is available from David at david.edwards4545@outlook.com.
The group is taking a break over Christmas and the next meeting will be on Monday, February 16 at 7.30pm.
In the meantime,David is also encouraging people to get hold of a free Guide to Diabetes - which explains the facts and myths about diabetes - and a free pedometer, available by simply texting GUIDE to 70707.
The advertising campaign is being funded by Diabetes UK’s National Charity Partnership with Tesco, which aims to raise awareness of the potential impact of Type 2 diabetes. Up to 80 per cent of Type 2 cases could be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes, but the charity is concerned that people in Merton may not understand why it is so important that people do what they can to help prevent it.
To find out more about diabetes complications visit www.diabetes.org.uk.
November 20, 2014