Arden, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Diabetic Eye Screening Programme

27/11/2025

Diabetes Awareness Month -Daily Fact 💙
Globally, 7 in 10 (412 million) adults
living with diabetes are of working
age. For millions of employees,
diabetes is a daily reality – but in the
workplace, it can often become a
source of stress, stigma, and fear.
From setting up workplace policies,
to listening and offering support
without judgement, there are many
ways to make your workplace a
friendlier place for people with
diabetes.

21/11/2025

Diabetes Awareness Month -Daily Fact 💙
Diabetic Retinopathy
Did you know that 1 in 3 people with diabetes will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy during their lifetime? This condition damages the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss or blindness if untreated. The best protection? Eye screenings and good blood sugar control can prevent or slow progression.

20/11/2025

Diabetes Awareness Month – Daily Fact 💙
Type 1 Diabetes & Autoimmune Connections
Did you know that around 6% of people with type 1 diabetes also have celiac disease, and up to 30% develop autoimmune thyroid disease (such as Hashimoto’s or Graves’)? These overlapping conditions share a common immune-system origin. 🧬 That’s why regular screening for both celiac and thyroid disorders is essential for holistic care in those living with type 1 diabetes.

18/11/2025

💙 Diabetes Awareness Month – Daily Fact 💙
Nerve damage
Did you know that about 50% of adults with diabetes experience nerve damage - known as peripheral neuropathy - often in their feet. This can lead to a loss of sensation, which means injuries, blisters, or sores may go unnoticed and untreated, sometimes causing serious complications up to amputation. Regular foot checks and well-fitted footwear are essential preventive steps!

15/11/2025

🩺 Diabetes Awareness Month – Daily Fact 💙
World Diabetes Day: From Despair to Hope 💙

In 1922, at the University of Toronto, scientists made one of the most life-changing medical breakthroughs in history — the discovery of insulin.

Before this discovery, a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was a death sentence, especially for children. Strict starvation diets could only delay the inevitable.

🔍 The Moment That Changed Everything:
➡️ Scientists Dr. Frederick Banting, Charles Best, James Collip, and John Macleod entered a hospital ward filled with children in diabetic comas.
➡️ One by one, they injected the children with the new purified extract — insulin.
➡️ As they finished treating the last child, the first began to awaken — followed by the others.
➡️ A ward once filled with sorrow became a place of joy, relief, and hope.

✅ Why This Matters:
1️⃣ The discovery of insulin transformed diabetes from a fatal illness into a manageable condition.
2️⃣ It remains a lifeline for millions of people with diabetes around the world today.
3️⃣ This moment reminds us how science, compassion, and innovation can change lives.

📌 World Diabetes Day, celebrated every year on November 14th, honours this discovery and raises awareness to ensure everyone with diabetes has access to care, education, and support.

14/11/2025

14/11/2025

🌍💙 Happy World Diabetes Day 2025!! – Diabetes and Well-being at Work 💙🌍

November 14th | “Know More and Do More for Diabetes at Work”

Today, we unite across the globe to recognise World Diabetes Day — an annual campaign raising awareness about one of the world’s fastest-growing health challenges.

This year’s focus — “Diabetes and Well-being: Know More and Do More for Diabetes at Work” — highlights the impact of diabetes in the workplace and the importance of creating supportive, inclusive environments for everyone.

🔍 Why World Diabetes Day Matters:
➡️ Established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s a global call to action to:

Improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of diabetes.

Raise awareness of diabetes as a critical public health issue.

Ensure equitable access to affordable, quality care and treatment for all.

Promote education and self-management to help people live healthy, long lives and avoid serious complications like blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease.

💼 Let’s make the workplace part of the solution:
✔️ Encourage open conversations about diabetes and well-being.
✔️ Support flexible work arrangements for diabetes management.
✔️ Foster awareness through health checks, wellness programmes, and education.

💙 Together, we can build healthier workplaces and communities — where everyone has the support and understanding they need to thrive.

13/11/2025

🩺 Diabetes Awareness Month – Daily Facts 💙
Diabetes in the UK: The Numbers 💙

Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in the UK — affecting millions and continuing to rise every year.

🔍 The Facts You Should Know:
➡️ 5.8 million people in the UK are currently living with diabetes — the highest number on record.
➡️ Around 90% have Type 2 diabetes, 8% have Type 1, and the rest have rarer forms.
➡️ An estimated 1.3 million people are living with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.
➡️ Over 6 million adults are at high risk of developing diabetes (prediabetes).
➡️ That means 1 in 5 adults in the UK are living with diabetes or prediabetes.

✅ Why This Matters:
1️⃣ Early detection prevents complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.
2️⃣ Lifestyle changes — balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight — can dramatically lower Type 2 risk.
3️⃣ Awareness reduces stigma and encourages testing, especially in high-risk groups.

📌 Take Action:
If you’re unsure of your risk, take the free online “Know Your Risk” test from Diabetes UK. Knowledge is power — and prevention starts with awareness.

12/11/2025

🩺 Diabetes Awareness Month – Daily Facts 💙
Diabetic Maculopathy: Protecting Your Central Vision 💙
Diabetic maculopathy is a complication of diabetic retinopathy that affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. It can lead to serious vision loss if untreated.

🔍 What Happens?
➡️ High blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels in the retina.
➡️ Fluid leaks into the macula, causing swelling (macular oedema).
➡️ This blurs central vision, making reading and recognising faces difficult.

✅ Key Facts:
• It’s one of the leading causes of vision impairment in people with diabetes.
• Often develops gradually - regular eye screening is essential.
• Good blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control can reduce risk.

📌 Early detection saves sight! Attend your diabetic eye screening appointments and report any changes in vision promptly.

11/11/2025

🩺 Diabetes Awareness Month – Daily Fact 💙
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A Serious Diabetes Emergency 💙
DKA happens when the body doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose for energy. Instead, it breaks down fat, producing ketones that make the blood acidic. This can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

🔍 Why Is It Dangerous?
➡️ DKA can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even coma.
➡️ It’s most common in type 1 diabetes, but can occur in type 2 during illness or stress.

✅ Know the 5 Key Warning Signs – The 5 Ts:
1️⃣ Thirst – Extreme thirst and dry mouth
2️⃣ Toilet – Frequent urination
3️⃣ Tired – Unusual fatigue or weakness
4️⃣ Thinner – Sudden unexplained weight loss
5️⃣ Test – High blood sugar and ketones
📌 If you notice these signs, seek urgent medical help. DKA is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

11/11/2025

👁️ Mass Eye Screening at Worcestershire County Cricket Club! 🏏

Today we held a mass eye screening event at Worcester Cricket Club - and as always, it was a huge success! 💙

We received amazing feedback from both patients and staff, and it was wonderful to see our whole team working together to make a difference. A big thank you to Diabetes UK - Midlands and East of England for joining us, and to our Engagement Officer for setting up a fantastic World Diabetes Day display. 🌍💉

Today we were also remembering our colleague Julie, who sadly passed away last week. 💐 In her memory, we were raising money for St Richard's Hospice, to help them continue providing free, compassionate care for patients and their loved ones across Worcestershire. 💖

Events like this remind us how powerful community collaboration can be in promoting eye health and diabetes awareness. 👓✨

10/11/2025

🩺 Diabetes Awareness Month – Daily Facts 💙
Blood Sugar Balance: Why It Matters in Diabetes 💙
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, leading to two key conditions:
🔴 Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
➡️ Caused by insufficient insulin production.
➡️ Glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy.
➡️ Symptoms include:
• Headaches
• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss

🔵 Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
➡️ Blood glucose drops too low to fuel the body.
➡️ Can occur as a complication of diabetes or other conditions.
➡️ Symptoms include:
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Dizziness

📌 Important Note:
Type 1 diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly and progress rapidly. If left untreated, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis - a life-threatening emergency. Type 2 diabetes symptoms tend to develop more gradually but are just as serious.
If your child or loved one shows any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional promptly.