Diabetes Awareness Week 2025

Diabetes Awareness – A Growing Health Crisis

Did you know that over half a million people in London are now living with diabetes? The numbers have been going up steadily over the years, and that’s more than one in fifteen of the population. A big part of this rise is down to more people being overweight and not getting enough exercise, especially when it comes to type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious, life-changing condition that can lead to severe complications if not managed properly. Jill Steaton of Diabetes UK highlights the urgent need for awareness:

“We’re in the grip of a rapidly escalating diabetes crisis... But it doesn’t have to be this way.”

The good news? Type 2 diabetes is often preventable or manageable with the right care and lifestyle changes. That’s why it’s vital to:

• Know the symptoms (thirst, tiredness, frequent urination, weight loss)

• Understand your personal risk

• Get regular health checks

Reducing the risk of diabetes

Age UK Islington Social Prescribing Link Workers working with London Met dietician students together with two Islington GPs

Given the numbers of people who are at risk of diabetes and living with diabetes, Age UK Islington social prescribing link workers are working together with London Met Dietitian students and patients at two Islington GP surgeries - providing workshops and practical advice for clients who either are at risk of type 2 diabetes or living with diabetes.

The aim is to make it easier for residents to reduce their risk of the condition developing or to better manage their condition. This is the third year that Age UK Islington has run the project, together with Islington GPs.

The workshops help patients to make simple, everyday changes to meals that can make a big difference in managing their diabetes, as well as details of free and affordable ways to stay active locally. 

As part of this project, they will be providing a nutrition talk for our August Let's Talk session. Look out for details nearer the time!

Diabetes Awareness Week 9-15 June

There are also a number of events taking place in Diabetes Awareness Week 9-15 June online and in Islington.

Online talks

Diabetes UK is hosting a series of online talks delivered in community languages and culturally tailored sessions with dietitians, aiming to support and engage people living with or affected by diabetes. See what is on: Diabetes UK 

Black Health Hub

Monday 9 June, 10am – 8pm

Black Cultural Centre, 16 Hornsey Rd, London N7 7BP

This is one of a series of events on Mondays that Go Africa are running in partnership with Islington Public Health focused on topics affecting the African & Caribbean Communities.

There will be a talk with Dr Joan StJohn, along with diabetes testing for African and Caribbean heritage people (but all welcome)

• Diabetes awareness, how would you know if you have diabetes/ are at risk of developing it?
• What do the figures mean?
• If you are living with Diabetes, what check-ups should you have?
• What are the main foods that might impact your Diabetes, what foods are helpful to looking after your Diabetes
• Time to ask questions
• Blood glucose (sugar) testing available
• Quiz with a prize

There will also be an information stall from Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) and Tai Chi later in the afternoon.

For timings and to book your space, please head to the Eventbrite page. 

Please note that for diabetes testing, these will be 15-minute slots and a first-come-first-served basis.

• 6th June 2025, 13:30 - 16:30 7-Week (for 2.5 hours) course online via Zoom (9 spaces available)
• Contact Expert Patirent programme to request a place: whh-tr.self-management@nhs.net

Further information

For more information about Diabetes, including early signs and symptoms and useful resources including recipes and a 'risk calculator', see the following websites:

Diabetes UK

NHS: Diabetes

Age UK: Diabetes

Age UK Islington Social Prescribing Diabetes Workshops