Press Releases 2008

28/04/08	Living with Diabetes Day 2008	Main Menu
	Good Self Management and a Healthy Lifestyle are key to Controlling Diabetes The clear message from the third annual ‘Living with Diabetes Day’ organised by the Stephanie Marks Diabetes Appeal in association with Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals is that good self-management and a healthy lifestyle are key to controlling diabetes. As the number of people with the condition continues to escalate at an alarming rate, supporting individuals to care for themselves can prevent the onset of diabetes and help minimize complications. Described as ‘A Day of Revelation and Reassurance’, over 150 people enjoyed outstanding presentations addressing all aspects of diabetes delivered by well respected clinicians, and had the chance to visit exhibitors offering a wide range of diabetes related products, services and advice. At the event, Stephanie Marks Appeal Chairman Clive Thompson CBE announced that planning permission has been applied for the state-of-the-art Resource Centre, which will house out patient consulting and treatment rooms together with educational facilities. He spoke enthusiastically about the services that the Diabetes Centre would provide including a pump service, specialist community support and a venue for patients with diabetes to meet and exchange information. The Centre will provide a focus for diabetes care in the Ashford and St. Peter’s catchment area. Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Bahl and Consultant Diabetologist, Endocrinologist Dr. Naqvi, started the day by giving a comprehensive, yet concise overview of the subject and how if affects children and adults. One audience member commented, “I found their presentation most interesting, especially the statistics linked with the risk factors for developing Type 1 Diabetes – 1-2% if your Mother has it and 3-6% if your father has it!” Sarah Johnson, Director of Policy & Communication at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the largest charitable funder of Type 1 diabetes research, explained that much is being done to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes and its complications. Susanne Sorensen, Acting Service Manager, Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Service highlighted that Diabetic Retinopathy is the commonest complication of diabetes but that studies have found that well controlled blood sugar and blood pressure levels significantly reduce the risk of any complications from Diabetes. Screening started in October last year with the intention of stopping any further preventable blindness in Surrey due to Diabetes. Azmina Govindji BSc (Hons) RD with healthy eating competition winners Vivacious Azmina Govindji BSc (Hons) RD who is a consultant nutritionist and registered dietician, broadcaster, best-selling author of 14 cookery books one with celebrity chef Anthony Worrall Thompson, wowed the audience with her creative cookery demonstration and talk an healthy eating. She believes passionately that by making some small changes, healthy food can still be appetizing and delicious. “Azmina was inspirational! She gave clear guidelines on eating healthily. Her recipes were easy to follow and would appeal to everyone, said one very impressed spectator”. Joined by Zoe Wood, Paediatric Dietitian and Katie Richards, Adult Dietitian from Ashford & St Peter’s, this impressive team of expert nutritionists answered a variety of questions on diet and lifestyle. The Diabetes Appeal is names after Stephanie Marks, a former pupil at Sir William Perkins’s School in Chertsey, who died age 17. The School generously hosted the event free of charge, and following an excellent lunch provided by Cater Link, those attending heard presentations by:- Professor F Hughes, Professor of Periodontology at the Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary School of Medicine and Dentistry on Gum Disease – the 6th complication of Diabetes. He explained that many diabetes patients are unaware that they have an increased risk of developing Periodontitis (gum disease), particularly where blood glucose is poorly controlled. He spoke about the importance of not smoking; having your teeth & gums checked regularly; maintaining good oral hygiene and good glycaemic control. Nick Taylor, age 11, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on his third birthday, shared his experiences of living with a pump to a captivated audience. “I don’t know what life is like without diabetes but I do remember what it is like without a pump”, explains Nick. Nick can now eat whatever he wants, whenever he wants and it gives him much more independence. Speaking after the event Appeal Manager Val Marks (no relation to Stephanie) said: “We keep the format of the day similar each year, but alter topics and expand our exhibition area, to ensure the audience returns. Despite the day being an educational one, rather than a fundraising event, we raised nearly £7,000 this year. We are very grateful to our key sponsor Masters Shoe Repairs in Ealing, and everyone else who contributed towards the day. The ‘Living With Diabetes Day’ was held on Saturday 19th April. Presentations from the day, including diet information and recipes, are available on the appeals website at www.stephaniemarks.org.uk. Further information about the appeal can be obtained the website or on 01932-722330.