How our Barnet diabetes team is tackling diabetes and raising awareness

Our Barnet specialist diabetes team recently partnered with Barnet councillor Caroline Stock who sits on the local health overview and scrutiny committee to run a diabetes awareness day on 12 June 2017 for Barnet residents as part of Diabetes UK's awareness week.

The local Diabetes UK team, North Middlesex University Hospital eye screening team, Better (promoting physical activities programme), Saracens and Middlesex University (volunteers) all came together to make this awareness day so successful.

Suraiya Kholil, diabetes team lead, Central London Community Healthcare Trust said, "Over 130 people completed the diabetes risk assessment and those with a high risk of developing diabetes were offered on site glucose testing, namely HbA1c. Eight people were identified as having diabetes and were given a letter to take to their GP for further blood testing. Diabetes prevalence continues to grow and early detection of diabetes can prevent many complications and improve people's quality of life.

Councillor Stock added, "I thought if we find even one person in the whole day it would be worthwhile because we can stop one person becoming ill."

The Mayor also visited the event and spent time talking to the people encouraging them to get tested along with Hendon MP Matthew Offord.

It was a successful day with lots of people receiving health promotion advice.