Diabetes charity keen to make educational settings safer for children

Condition affects 6% of Island's population

A charity on the Isle of Man says it wants to make Manx educational settings safer for children living with diabetes.

World Diabetes Day takes place tomorrow (14 November).

Six percent of the Island’s population have the condition which causes a person’s blood sugar to become too high.

Symptoms can include needing to urinate more often, feeling very thirsty, feeling more tired than usual and losing weight without trying.  

Natasha Parry from Diabetes Isle of Man said: "Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system attacking the cells that produce insulin and cannot currently be prevented.  

"With Type 2 diabetes there are a number of factors that can increase a person’s risk, including living with overweight or obesity, family history, ethnicity, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and disrupted sleep.   

"It’s so important to raise awareness of the symptoms and risk factors as there are steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

"Providing an opportunity for people to assess their risk and discuss this with health professionals means they can make changes that could help prevent the condition.  

"We also want to support those who are already living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes with practical advice and guidance."

She adds whilst progress has been made, in relation to schools, more can be done:

An awareness event is taking place today (13 November) at the Sea Terminal in Douglas.

Between 10am and 2.30pm people can meet diabetes-related healthcare professionals and the charity; they can also complete a questionnaire to understand their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Health and Social Care Minister Claire Christian said: "With almost seven per cent of people over the age of 17 currently on the Island’s diabetes register, diabetes is an important health issue for our community.  

"World Diabetes Day is an opportunity not only to support those already living with diabetes but also to encourage everyone to think about their own health and understand their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes."

You can find out more HERE.