North East promotes greater awareness of diabetes
The 14th November marks World Diabetes Day - an annual campaign that aims to educate millions of people worldwide about diabetes and the escalating health threat that it poses.
40,000 people across County Durham and Darlington live with diabetes, and there might be many more who have not yet been diagnosed.
To raise awareness about the condition, and particularly about spotting it in children, events are taking place across the region to educate people about diabetes.
The rate of lower limb amputations is especially high across the UK and County Durham because of poor awareness on the importance of early detection of diabetes.
– Dr Paul Peter, consultant Diabetologist for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust"We are keen to reach out to the general public to let them know how vitally important it is to get screened for diabetes.
Many people are unaware where they can get this done, and they do not realise how important it is to also screen feet, eyes, and kidneys yearly."
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