Diabetes UK Cymru calls for Wales’ healthcare professionals to join innovative programme
Diabetes UK Cymru is looking for healthcare professionals to help transform care for people living with diabetes across Wales.
The charity is calling for consultants, nurses, GPs, dietitians, podiatrists, pharmacists and psychologists to take part in its award-winning Clinical Champions programme.
The programme was launched in 2014 in partnership with Novo Nordisk, to address the significant variation in patient care and treatment for people living with diabetes across the UK.
Since the initiative began, 65 clinicians have been recruited to develop their leadership skills and become champions for improving diabetes care. Between them, they have trained thousands of other healthcare professionals, developed innovative new clinics, reduced medication errors and increased the number of people getting treatment for diabetes.
The new cohort of champions will be selected based on their leadership potential, clinical expertise and a demonstrable passion for transforming care for people with diabetes. They will be supported with two years of dedicated training, alongside their clinical work, to help them become strong leaders, identify improvements and drive vital change in diabetes services in their local areas.
Dai Williams, National Director, Diabetes UK Cymru, said, “Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time. Wales has the highest prevalence of the condition in the UK, with around 7.1% of the population aged 17 and over living with diabetes. Even more worryingly, we estimate there to be around 57,000 people in Wales who have Type 2 diabetes but have not yet been diagnosed.
“If not well managed, diabetes is associated with serious complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations, leading to disability and premature mortality.
“Clinical Champions help transform diabetes care, which in turn reduces the risk of devastating complications and makes a significant difference to the lives of people with diabetes. We are immensely proud of the achievements that graduates of our previous Clinical Champions programmes have made and look forward to continuing this momentum with our 2018 scheme.”
For more information or to apply to become a Clinical Champion for 2018-2020, please go towww.diabetes.org.uk/clinical-
Notes
- Diabetes UK’s aim is creating a world where diabetes can do no harm. Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting more people than any other serious health condition in the UK – more than dementia and cancer combined. There is currently no known cure for any type of diabetes. With the right treatment, knowledge and support people living with diabetes can lead a long, full and healthy life. For more information about diabetes and the charity’s work, visit www.diabetes.org.uk
- Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in people of working age in the UK and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.
- People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. About 10 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 1. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. It’s the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults, starting suddenly and getting worse quickly. Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. It is also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity.
- People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (known as insulin resistance). 85 to 90 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 2. They might get Type 2 diabetes because of their family history, age and ethnic background puts them at increased risk. They are also more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight. It starts gradually, usually later in life, and it can be years before they realise they have it. Type 2 diabetes is treated with a healthy diet and increased physical activity. In addition, tablets and/or insulin can be required.
