Mike Penning, MP for Hemel Hempstead, backed a national campaign aimed at encouraging people to get tested for diabetes.

Around 2.9 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK, but it is estimated that a further 850,000 people may be living with the condition without realising it.

If diagnosed early, diabetes can be actively managed to help mitigate the serious consequences of the disease.

Mike joined volunteers from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Bayer and Novo Nordisk at a special event in Westminster to raise awareness of the increasing prevalence of diabetes in the UK.

Mike said:
“I’m delighted to be supporting the work of the International Diabetes Federation in raising awareness of diabetes. I would encourage anyone who is concerned about diabetes to speak to their GP about having a blood glucose test. It only takes a few minutes, but it could save you years of illness.”

Sir Michael Hirst, President-Elect of the IDF said: “We welcome the support of Mike Penning MP in raising awareness of diabetes through our parliamentary event. Last November millions of people around the globe came together to mark World Diabetes Day. We hope that the two-day event helps create further awareness in the UK of the condition and its consequences.”

[1]