Portsmouth event helps people with diabetes be healthy

Around 100 people went along to the event yesterday to meet professionals, organisations and charities which support people living with the illness.

Organised by the Diabetes Specialist Nursing teams, at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and Solent NHS Trust, the conference had a theme of Spring Forward to Your Health.

Throughout the day, at Mountbatten Centre, in Hilsea, visitors got to learn about how to keep healthy while living with diabetes from foot and dental care to balanced diets.

One of the organisers Debbie Fishwick, said: ‘The day was brilliant and we got lots of good feedback from the people who came along.

‘They liked the variety of speakers we had and the way the day worked.

‘We did speed dating where people had 10 minutes to sit down with a different professional and listen to what they do and ask them questions.

‘People liked that and found it interesting.’

Debbie added that the point of the day was to help people with diabetes care for themselves on a day-to-day basis.

‘Patients can go for their annual check but it is about the daily care of diabetes,’ she said.

‘It is about giving them the information they need to make a difference and look after their condition.’

Different professionals attending the conference included a podiatrist, researcher, GP, dietician and a dentist.

A number of stalls were also there giving out information on different charities.

One of those was event sponsor Solent Diabetes Association, an independent charity. Participants Chris and Brian Edward said they had had a lot of interest from visitors.

Brian, chairman of directors, said: ‘This event is always very well-attended and people like the chance to get information and learn who is around to help them.

‘We tell them about our two charity shops and how the proceeds go back to helping people with diabetes in the community.’

A raffle at the event was also held with money raised going to Diabetes UK’s young people events.