It is hoped the event for patients who face inequality when accessing services will help set the bar for diabetes care
PEOPLE from ethnic minority backgrounds are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – and the experts want to hear from them.
A free lunch in Butetown will give the opportunity for people with diabetes and their carers to share their experiences with professionals and tell them what needs to change in healthcare services. People from ethnic minority backgrounds are especially encouraged to attend.
The event, co-hosted by Diabetes UK Cymru, The Mentor Ring and the All Wales Diabetes Patients Reference Group, will be held at Butetown Community Centre from 11am to 2pm on Tuesday, February 22.
Wendy Gane MBE, chair of the All Wales Diabetes Patient Reference Group, said: “People who have come from an ethnic minority are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and we are hoping to reach them by holding this event.
“People can find it difficult to engage with healthcare professionals. The event is about finding out what we can do to improve healthcare and making sure we have the right care going on for children and adults.”
Diabetes UK states that people from BAME backgrounds are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes from the age of 25, which is 15 years earlier than the general population.
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than Type 1 – affecting around 90% of those with the condition. Type 2 symptoms can be managed with exercise, medication, diet and insulin – whereas Type 1 can only be managed with insulin.
Sean Newton, NHS engagement manager at Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “This is an opportunity for all at risk of developing type 2 diabetes or living with diabetes, but predominantly for those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities to find out more about the condition.
“Research has shown that these patients face inequality when accessing healthcare services and are less engaged with healthcare professionals, attending fewer annual screenings to detect early risks of complications of diabetes.
“The event in Butetown will allow people to share their story, learn more about diabetes, what care and resources are available and the role of our charity in supporting them.”
Staff from the following groups will be at the event to answer questions:
- All Wales Diabetes Patient Reference Group: A Welsh Government-funded group that represents patients and their carers across Wales.
- Diabetes UK Cymru: A charity providing support and information to people with diabetes and their families.
- The Mentor Ring: A Cardiff-based charity offering mentoring to people from diverse backgrounds on a wide range of issues, including health and wellbeing.
- PocketMedic Films: A company that uses video and graphics to explain health issues, including diabetes, in a variety of languages.
- Diabetic Eye Screening Wales: A public health unit checking for damage to eyes from diabetes – which can lead to permanent sight loss if left untreated. They will attend to demonstrate how eye screening works.
- Cardiff and Vale Dietetic Education team: NHS Wales’ team who can advise on healthy eating when living with diabetes.
- British Heart Foundation: The leading heart charity will explain the links between diabetes and the heart.
For further information on the event, contact Wendy Gane via phone (07939311645) or email (wendy@awdprg/co.uk) or Sujatha Thaladi via email (info@mentorring.org.uk).
