Our MP, Phil Wilson, joined high profile parliamentarians at the annual diabetes charity event, the Silver Star Diabetes Health Challenge, at the House of Commons on Wednesday 30th October.
As part of Diwali at Westminster, Phil took the quick and easy diabetes test to help raise awareness of the need for public to test for the condition. Special guests Hari Dhillon, Dr. Michael Spence on BBC’s Holby City and Vineeta Rishi, Dr Jas Khella on BBC’s daytime drama Doctors also joined in the promotion and handed Phil a pedometer. He has agreed to act as the Diabetes Ambassador for Sedgefield constituency on behalf of Silver Star.
As part of the challenge, MPs were issued with a Silver Star Diabetes Pedometer that will measure the amount of steps taken on a chosen day from the launch day until World Diabetes Day on 14th November 2013 to see who can take the most steps.
Every four minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with diabetes and consequently, the NHS spends £1 million an hour on diabetes and its related complications. Currently 3 million people in the UK live with the condition, and an estimated 1 million people may have diabetes without knowing it.
Dr Modhwadia, Chairman of the Trustees for Silver Star Diabetes said: “I am delighted that so many MPs have decided to take the test and have taken the pedometer challenge to raise awareness of this largely unseen health condition.
Silver Star Diabetes has tested over 37,000 people for diabetes and continues to reach out to communities to raise awareness for the condition. Being tested is important to ensure that the condition is spotted early and people can get the right treatment as soon as possible.”
Phil Wilson MP said: “People in my constituency are suffering from diabetes, so it is great that Silver Star Diabetes take action to raise awareness for the condition. Helping people to lead healthy lifestyles is important, and testing people for diabetes plays a vital step towards achieving that.”
