Debbie backs diabetes drive

DEBBIE Abrahams attended a Parliamentary event in conjunction with National Diabetes week.

The MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth went along to support charity Diabetes UK at the Let’s Talk Diabetes event, after finding that more than 10,500 people in Oldham have been diagnosed with the condition.

Results of the charity’s survey found nearly one million people in the UK could be risking their health and experiencing distress by keeping their diabetes a secret.

The survey found one in three people with diabetes had, or were still, keeping their diabetes a secret. Almost half of these people felt that not talking about their diabetes had impacted on how they manage their condition.

The charity has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament, urging the Government to take immediate action to provide support as an integral part of a diabetes care package.

Mrs Abrahams said: “There are 10,586 people with diabetes in Oldham who need people to understand how common diabetes is becoming and how serious it can be if they aren’t supported to manage their condition.

“Knowing you have someone to talk to when you need it most can make all the difference.”