The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) hosted a special event for people living with diabetes.

It aimed to provide more information about coping with the condition and staying as healthy as possible.

Following the success of the inaugural Living with Diabetes Day last year, UCLan again teamed up with the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation and specialist diabetes teams from Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The event was for people with both type one and type two diabetes, people at risk of developing the disease, carers or even people with a general interest in the condition, to allow them to meet healthcare professionals, exercise specialists and dieticians.

Visitors participated in interactive workshops, including how to prevent long-term complications, glucose monitoring and amputation prevention.

Recent figures suggest that over 73,000 people in Lancashire were living with diabetes in 2012. It is estimated that this will rise to over 99,000 by 2030 if no changes are made.

Dr Swrajit Sarkar, UCLan associate lecturer in nutritional sciences, organised the event. He said: “This regional event provides a unique opportunity for people in Lancashire to access a wealth of information and support under one roof. It allows them to speak to visiting healthcare professionals from local specialist diabetes teams, researchers, academics and professionals in exercise, diet and nutrition.

“We recognise the benefits of sharing and discussing concerns and experiences with like-minded people and healthcare professionals outside of the surgery or clinic setting in a supportive, relaxed and informal environment.”

Attendees also took part in an exercise class at the end of the day, delivered by UCLan physiotherapy lecturer Colin Hayes, to learn some basic exercises that can be done at home.

“This unique event brings together people living with both type one and type two diabetes, healthcare professionals, researchers and academics to create a day filled with helpful, informative and fun information about diabetes."

Living with Diabetes eventChristine Elwell, Diabetes Dietician and Diabetes Education Coordinator at Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust said: “We’re really pleased to be part of this important awareness raising event. As a Trust we look to support any opportunity for people to understand more about living with diabetes and developing skills that can promote health for themselves and their families.”

Lee Calladine, Educational Event Co-ordinator from Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation, said: “We are extremely pleased to support and sponsor the second Lancashire Living with Diabetes Day, and to work collaboratively with Dr. Swrajit Sarker, UCLan and the specialist diabetes teams from across the North West.

“This unique event brings together people living with both type one and type two diabetes, healthcare professionals, researchers and academics to create a day filled with helpful, informative and fun information about diabetes. We hope people who attended left feeling invigorated with new tools, skills and with an even greater understanding and enthusiasm of how to manage their diabetes so they can live life to the full.”