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Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport last week joined volunteers from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and staff from Novo Nordisk and Roche to raise awareness of the increasing prevalence of diabetes in the UK. Diabetes, in particular type 2 diabetes, is a significant and growing health issue, affecting over 382 million people worldwide – and IDF figures show this could rise to 592 million by 2035.
Commenting, Caroline said: "Diabetes is a real problem in the UK, and with rates increasing across the country and around the world, I am pleased to support the International Diabetes Federation in raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of diabetes and complications such as cardiovascular disease, blindness, amputation and hypoglycaemia."
Around 3.2 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, but it is estimated that a further 850,000 people may be living with the condition without realising it. This means that around 1 in 16 people in the UK are living with the disease. However if diagnosed early, diabetes can be actively managed to help mitigate the serious consequences of the disease. Caroline had a diabetes test and met with healthcare professionals at a special event in Westminster to find out more about the disease.
Caroline added, "Getting tested takes only a few minutes and could save you years of illness. If you are concerned about diabetes, talk to your GP or pharmacist about having a blood glucose test, just like I did last week."