10
NEWS
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Diabetes Week
There are eight diabetes checks
that can prevent life-altering
complications, as suggested by
Diabetes UK. For the millions of
people living with diabetes in the UK,
a small number of regular medical
check-ups are vital to their wellbeing.
A foot check can spot an ulcer which,
if left untreated, could lead to a
deterioration. A simple kidney test
could uncover the signs of diabetic
kidney disease - which is treatable if
spotted early.
However, many people with
diabetes are missing out on these
routine - yet potentially life-saving
- appointments. So for this year's
Diabetes Week (which ran 9-15 June),
the national charity raised awareness
of the importance of making sure
eight vital checks are done.
People with diabetes should
receive these vital checks as part
of their annual review in a variety
of ways. A simple blood test can
measure average blood sugar levels
(HbA1c), cholesterol levels, as well as
analysing kidney function. A urine
sample can spot early signs of kidney
disease, and a foot check can identify
any nerve damage, infections or
ulcers. People with diabetes should
also have their BMI measured and
referred to weight management
support if needed, as well as their
blood pressure. People will also be
asked about their smoking status and
be offered support on how to stop if
they need it.
In addition to these eight checks,
people with diabetes should also be
invited to an eye check every one to
two years. Diabetic eye screenings
are vital in helping prevent and spot
any early signs of eye damage, that if
untreated, could lead to sight loss.
Colette Marshall, Chief Executive
at Diabetes UK, said: "We know
people with diabetes face challenges
when it comes to getting their
checks. That's why this Diabetes
Week, we're determined to raise
awareness and help ensure that no
one misses out on this crucial part of
diabetes care."
For information about regular
diabetes health checks, what they
mean and why they're so important,
as well as free downloadable
resources to help stay on top of your
checks each year, visit:
diabetes.org.uk.
Inspired career rewarded
Congratulations to Professor Melanie
J Davies CBE, Professor of Diabetes
Medicine, on receiving one of the
highest honours in diabetes care and
research.
At the American Diabetes
Association's 85th Scientific Sessions
in Chicago this week, Professor
Davies was presented with the 2025
National Scientific and Health Care
Achievement Award, recognising
her outstanding contribution to the
prevention and treatment of diabetes.
On receiving the award, Davies,
"I'm honoured and deeply humbled
to have been nominated by my
esteemed colleagues and for their
support and belief in me. Throughout
my career I've been inspired by the
work of former recipients whose
research has driven clinical care
into diabetes. It feels wonderful
to be chosen to be part of this
history, and to know that I may now
similarly inspire future generations
of researchers in this ever-evolving
field."
This award makes her only the
second woman - and the first woman
outside of the USA - to receive this
prestigious recognition.
leicesterdiabetescentre.org.uk