Press release
Course raises awareness of diabetes amongst the Asian community
A group of Asian women have taken part in a health promotion course to increase their awareness of Type 2 diabetes.
Research suggests that people from south Asian communities are up to five times more likely to have diabetes than the general population, and many people have the condition but don’t know it.
The course was based on a NHS patient structured education programme known as ‘X-Pert’ which is offered to patients who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, the course has been adapted to inform and educate those communities at greatest risk.
Delivered by Community Services Bury’s Diabetes Service, the course ran over six weeks, and covered topics including; what is diabetes; weight management; carbohydrate awareness, possible complications and much more. Effective management of diabetes can reduce the chances of developing complications.
Rhian Allen, Diabetes Service Lead from Community Services Bury said:
“We were delighted to work closely with ADAB and members of the Asian community. Many people within Asian communities will have diabetes without even knowing it. By offering this course we hoped to raise awareness which would then be shared amongst families and wider communities.”
Mudasir Dean IMEC Coordinator for ADAB added:
"I would like to thank the X-Pert team and in particular the Bury Diabetic Support Group for their support. The X-Pert programme has helped create 12 community champions from the Bury Muslim Women's Forum who will spread the word about the issues related to diabetes."
Bury’s Diabetes Service is planning future courses targeted at other communities most at risk of developing the condition.
ENDS
Date: 22 June 2010
FOR PRESS & MEDIA ENQUIRIES: contact Caroline Dearden, Corporate Communications Manager on 0161 762 3106 or email communications@bury.nhs.uk
Notes to Editor:
Community Services Bury provides the X-Pert programme free of charge to people in Bury who have diabetes. For details ask your GP or contact the Community Diabetes Service on 01706 28 3521.
Over 2 million people in England are living with diabetes. Many more have the condition but don’t know it. Type 1 and Type 2 are the most common forms of diabetes. The causes of both types are different, but both result in too much glucose (sugar) in the blood.