9th Aug 2023 - Written by admilne
Reading time: 3 minutes
In partnership with BNSSG NHS, we have launched the Diabetes Prevention Service for members of the Bristol community aged over 55 years who may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We sat down with Lauren to learn more about diabetes and our prevention service.
What is your name & job title?
My name is Lauren Freeman and I’m the Diabetes Prevention Service Coordinator for Brunelcare’s new Diabetes Prevention Service.
How long have you been running the diabetes service programme at Brunelcare?
I’ve been running the service since the 4th of April 2023.
Why did you choose a career focused on diabetes prevention?
I chose to come back and work at Brunelcare during my summer university break, as I had such a positive experience during my student placement here in 2022. I am passionate about adult support services, so this project was very interesting to me. I am excited to be involved!
Why is it important to take steps to prevent diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition. It can lead to other serious health issues, like blindness, kidney failure, strokes or heart disease so it is important to identify your risk and take steps to prevent diabetes.
What are some common symptoms for people to look out for?
Some key symptoms are urinating more often – particularly at night, feeling very thirsty and/ or tired, unexplained weight loss, cuts or wounds that heal very slowly, regular yeast infections and blurred vision.
What is the Brunelcare diabetes prevention service and who is it for?
The diabetes prevention service is a project which aims to educate and support adults over the age of 55 in the Bristol area. Firstly, with awareness and helping people find out their risk of developing the disease – and engaging them with the correct services if they are already pre-diabetic. Secondly, educating and offering support on how to reduce risk through healthier choices.
How are you supporting people to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes through the service?
We are helping people find out their risk score of developing type 2 diabetes, then, based on this score, giving them the required support. We are offering informative drop-in sessions, workshops and events to members of the community.
Are there any common misconceptions about diabetes that people might like to know?
That type 2 diabetes is ‘mild’ diabetes. This is a chronic condition that can greatly increase the risk of heart disease or a stroke.
What’s coming up over the next few months for the diabetes service?
We have lots going on! We have a mobility-conscious exercise class coming up and drop-in sessions at some of our sites this month, as well as a public drop-in session.
You can find all our updated events here.
Find out more about the service on our diabetes prevention service page, or contact Lauren directly at [email protected]