23 February 2012Residents can find out more about diabetes and get tested for medical conditions that can contribute to the disease at a free awareness event in Sevenoaks.
To mark World Diabetes Day, a range of local organisations are joining forces to support the event that takes place on Saturday 13 November 2010 between 10.30am and 3pm at The Lodge Coffee Shop in the Stag Community Arts Centre, London Road, Sevenoaks.
During the day, trained nurses will be available to carry out free blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose testing and assess the risk factors that contribute to type two diabetes. There is no need to book an appointment, just turn up.
Get SORTed, Diabetes UK, NHS West Kent and Sencio Community Leisure, will be on hand to provide general health information and details of local activities and services available in the West Kent area.
In West Kent, 24,500 people have been diagnosed with diabetes and an additional 8,000 people are estimated to be undiagnosed diabetics.
Diabetes affects more than two million people in England and even more people are likely to have the condition, yet they are not aware they have it.
The event has been organised by Sevenoaks District Council in partnership with NHS West Kent and the Stag Community Arts Centre.
Cllr Pat Bosley, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for healthy living, says: "Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people, which if left unchecked, can result in debilitating health problems. Yet in some instances it's a preventable disease. It's crucial that those people who are unaware they have diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition find out from medical experts how best to deal with the problem."
Dr James Thallon, NHS West Kent’s Medical Director, adds: "We know that the best results in diabetic care are achieved when patients are able to take control of their condition themselves, and people will do this when they feel well informed and supported. For this to occur, NHS West Kent is committed to ensuring that patients are supported by a range of services, together with more specialist input if needed."
For more information on the event visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/health or visit the International Diabetes Federation website www.worlddiabetesday.org for general information on World Diabetes Day.
