A third of patients 'keep diabetes a secret' says new report (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Diabetes UK reveals survey results as week of awareness events begins across Bradford

12:10am Monday 13th June 2011 in Health News By Claire Lomax

One in three people with diabetes in the Yorkshire region could be risking their health and experiencing emotional distress by keeping their condition a secret, according to a survey by health charity Diabetes UK.

The survey, conducted for Diabetes Week, which runs until Saturday, found that 35 per cent of people with diabetes in the region were keeping their diabetes a secret or had previously done so.

A quarter of people had kept their condition a secret for fear of discrimination or bullying. These people were most likely to keep their diabetes a secret at work (60 per cent) however, 55 per cent had also kept their diabetes a secret from their friends.

NHS Bradford and Airedale’s community development team has organised a range of community events during the week to encourage people to talk about the condition.

Mehzar Iqbal, community development worker for NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: “These events are a great way to encourage people to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.”

Free drop-in events include: Tomorrow, 10.30am to 3pm, Windhill Community Centre, Church Street, Windhill, Shipley; Wednesday, 10am to 3pm, Kirkgate Shopping Centre, Bradford, and 9.30am to 5pm, Centenary Square, Bradford; Thursday, 11am to 2.30pm, Keighley Women’s Association and Children’s Centre, Marlborough Street, Keighley; Friday, 1pm to 4pm, Madni Jamia Masjid, 101 Thornbury Road, Bradford.

For more details about the events call Mr Iqbal on: (01274) 323811 or 07904 332529.

• Read the full story Monday’s T&A