Published at 08:14, Monday, 08 October 2012

More than 6,000 more people in Cumbria will be diagnosed with diabetes by 2020, according to new predictions.

Diabetes UK says there are 34,200 people in the county living with the condition – with that rising to 40,300 in the next eight years.

Nationally rates are expected to increase by almost a fifth in the same period.

The vast majority of these will have Type Two diabetes, which is often brought on by lifestyle factors such as being overweight and unfit.

Type 1 diabetes on the other hand is an insulin problem that can strike anyone.

The charity is calling for more resources to be put towards preventing Type Two diabetes. It wants the Government to fund a public health campaign to raise awareness of risk factors and of the seriousness of the condition.

The figures are released at the same time as the charity’s president is visiting Cumbria to talk about its work and vital new research projects.

Richard Lane will speak at a meeting in Carlisle tonight, organised by the Diabetes UK Carlisle and District Voluntary Group. The event, which starts at 7.30pm, is open to anyone living with diabetes, their families and carers.

Mr Lane, a Type One diabetic, got involved with the charity after taking part as a guinea pig in groundbreaking research back in 2004. He had three islet cell transplants – taken from donated pancreases – in a five month period and said it changed his life.

“I was the first person ever to come off insulin and was off it for a year. I am back on it now but have been left with other benefits,” he said. “My story is quite dramatic. Before the trial I was having six or seven severe hypos (when insulin levels become dangerously low) a week. I’d had lots of comas.

“I later discovered that Diabetes UK had funded my research and treatment, which is when I got involved. I was made president in 2008.”

During the open meeting, Mr Lane will give an overview of his own story then talk about the charity’s current campaigns and new research. He urged anyone with Type One or Two diabetes in north Cumbria to come along.

“Ten per cent of the NHS budget is now going to treat diabetes. It is a growing problem. But our research shows that still patients are not getting the most basic care that they are entitled to. I will talk about what Diabetes UK is doing about it and what people themselves can do to improve their own care. I’d welcome as many people as possible,” he said.

The meeting is being held in the Education Centre behind the Cumberland Infirmary. For details contact Marilyn Ashworth on 01228 520124 or Kath Millington on 01228 596138 for details.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk