AKINS GETTING THE BAME DIABETES MESSAGE ACROSS
STRIKER HELPS AS BREWERS TEAM UP WITH NHS BOSSES
BURTON Albion have teamed up with NHS bosses in a bid to educate people from ethnic minorities on Type 2 diabetes.
Members of black, Asian and ethnic groups (BAME) are three times more likely to develop this type of the condition than white people. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness, kidney failure, loss of a limb and it also increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Brewers striker Lucas Akins recorded an informative video highlighting the dangers of the condition and how it can be prevented and controlled.
The 31-year-old, who is currently the longest serving member at the club, said: “As a professional footballer I know the importance of looking after your body and eating healthily.
“Not everyone can take part in elite sport, but everyone can do a little more exercise, change their diet and opt for a healthier lifestyle and the earlier in life we all do it the better.
“This campaign is so important in ensuring people are looking after themselves and their bodies.
“Burton Albion Community Trust [the charity arm of the football club] has health and wellbeing programmes that can give everyone a helping hand and I know from first hand involvement what a difference BACT makes.”
People living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with Covid-19 with nearly a third of deaths in the Staffordshire area associated with the condition, according to NHS statistics. However, better management of the condition can help improve control and lead to better outcomes, said a health spokesman.
The campaign is asking black, Asian and ethnic minority people to know their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes through using the “Know Your Risk” tool hosted by Diabetes UK.
Dr Shammy Noor, GP and chairman of South East Staffordshire and Seisdon Peninsula Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “There are several risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, some of which, such as your age or your family history that can’t be changed.
“However, it’s really important for the community to take heed that there are other risk factors such as your weight which are very much in your control.
“Indeed, the risk of Type 2 diabetes can be reduced by getting support to lose weight, getting more physically active and eating healthy food.
“I urge everyone from the community to take a pragmatic and practical approach to this very serious health condition to reduce your risk.”