Mike Gapes MP supported leading health charity Diabetes UK last week as it demanded more education and better psychological support for people with diabetes in a new report¹ released at the House of Commons in the run up to World Diabetes Day on 14 November.

Diabetes UK launched "Supporting Self Management for people with diabetes", a report¹ 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.

Mike Gapes, who attended the parliamentary reception, on November 11th said: "There are 7241 people with diabetes in Ilford South 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  

- ENDS -

1      The report, titled "Supporting Self Management for people with diabetes", can be found at http://www.diabetes.org.uk/supported-self-management

2      Diabetes UK is the leading charity for the three million people in the UK with diabetes.  It is our 75th Anniversary in 2009 and events to mark this special occasion will be taking place around the country. We aim to spend more than more than £6.5 million on research in 2009 as well as campaigning and providing information and support. During our 75th Anniversary year, we hope you will be able to join in and support us so that we can carry on improving the lives of people with diabetes into the future. For more information visit www.diabetes.org.uk.

3      In the UK, there are currently 2.6 million people diagnosed with diabetes and it is estimated that up to half a million people have the condition but do not know it.

4      The Diabetes UK Careline (0845 120 2960) offers information and support on any aspect of managing diabetes.  The line is a low cost number and opens Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (operates a translation service). Recorded information on a number of diabetes-related topics is also available on this number 24 hours a day.

5      Supporting our work to fund vital research into the care, treatment and hopefully a cure for diabetes as a Diabetes UK Supporting Member entitles you to a range of benefits including our bi-monthly magazine Balance, reliable information booklets on diabetes, our confidential Diabetes UK Careline, over 400 local Diabetes UK support groups, and access to an exclusive personalised Supporting Members Area on our website.