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World Diabetes Day 2018

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of a condition that millions of people around the world live with every day.

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2018 is The Family and Diabetes.The aim is to raise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected, as well as promoting the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes.This year Diabetes UK is asking everyone living with diabetes to celebrate who makes their life easier every day – friends, family, neighbours etc. #DiabetesFamily

It is estimated that, including the number of undiagnosed people, there are over 4 million people currently living with diabetes in the UK. That represents 6% of the population and 1 in every 16 people.

10% of people with diabetes have Type 1 diabetes and 90% have Type 2.

Diabetes is considered an invisible disability and unless you know someone with diabetes you may not realise what they have to do every day to manage it or how society’s reaction can make them feel.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition were someone’s body attacks the cells that produce insulin so no insulin is produced. Insulin helps our bodies to move glucose sugar from our blood into our muscles and give us energy. This type of diabetes has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. About 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition were the body does produce insulin but either it does not produce enough insulin or the insulin cannot move the glucose sugar from our blood into the cells in our muscles because something is stopping it. Fatty deposits can stop insulin from helping our body move glucose sugar from our blood into our muscles. Over half of Type 2 diabetes cases can be delayed or prevented through a healthy lifestyle. About 90% of people with diabetes have Type 2.

Both types of diabetes mean that glucose sugar can build up in the person’s blood stream and that they need to test their blood sugar levels regularly.

By the time they are diagnosed, half of the people with diabetes are showing signs of complications including cardio vascular disease, kidney failure, eye disease, amputation, depression and neuropathy.

Sports grounds may need to make “reasonable adjustments” for spectators with diabetes and that may include permitting them to bring drinks in closed containers into the stadium, allowing them to bring food to the game and in some cases, insulin injections. Some people with diabetes may also benefit from using an accessible toilet.

People living with diabetes are protected under the Equality Act 2010 and sports clubs (as service providers) have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to make their services and facilities accessible.

Diabetes is a hidden disability. Different people will have different requirements and flexibility is key to ensuring the club is welcoming and non-discriminatory to spectators living with this condition.