Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Champion has a vital role to play
MISBAH Latif, a dedicated volunteer from Hillingdon, has become a Community Champion for Diabetes UK in the area and further afield.
Misbah, who is 68, took on the voluntary role because she wants to raise awareness of the seriousness of Type 2 diabetes and help residents understand their risk of developing the condition.
Community Champions organise stalls, talks, presentations and healthy living days at community centres, health fairs and local festivals. They receive training on what Type 2 diabetes is, who is at risk, the signs and symptoms, myths and misconceptions, complications and NHS services.
Misbah, who is retired and lives in Ruislip, was diagnosed with the condition several years ago. She said: “My mother passed away from complications of Type 2 diabetes. When I was younger I didn’t know that people of Pakistani/Bangladeshi origins were twice as likely to develop Type 2 diabetes and that it can cause devastating complications.
“Then when I was pregnant I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes which is a warning sign of increased risk of diabetes. I always tried to be active and eat well but after several years I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
“Now, I want to pass on what I have learned to other people and help them understand the risks and what they can do to help themselves. I am looking forward to meeting lots of people.”
People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly also known as insulin resistance. If not managed well, it can lead to sight loss, lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke. People from African-Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian backgrounds can be two to four times more likely than average to develop Type 2 diabetes, yet simple lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the risk of developing the condition or help manage it well.
Roz Rosenblatt, London Head of Diabetes UK, said: “Our Community Champion programme has been an incredible success. As much as we teach our champions about tackling diabetes, they educate us about the differences in diet, health habits and the nuances of their communities.
“We have so many different countries of birth, languages, backgrounds, histories and cultures, that there can never be a ‘one size fits all’ solution to the diabetes crisis. This is why our champions programme has such a vital role to play.”
To find out more about becoming a Community Champion visit https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get_ involved/volunteer/communitychampions
For more information about diabetes visit www.diabetes.org.uk or call the Diabetes UK Helpline on 0345 123 2399.