People living in Basildon and Brentwood who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are invited to a free educational event.

The ‘Living with Diabetes Day’ at Basildon Sporting Village on Friday 29 September will provide patients, who have Type 2 diabetes, with expert advice and essential information to help them manage their condition and live well.

The event is supported by Diabetes UK and organised by Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The day-long event from 9.30am-4pm will feature talks and workshops on diet, foot care and eye care plus information on local support services for people with Type 2 diabetes and exercise.

People will have the opportunity to ask healthcare professionals any questions and meet other people living with Type 2 diabetes.

Attendees will also be able to sign up for a more detailed structured education course delivered by community provider NELFT.

Places are limited at the ‘Living with Diabetes Day’ and early booking is advised. A healthy lunch will be provided.

Type 2 diabetes is a serious, lifelong condition which can be managed with diet, exercise, medication and/or insulin.

In the UK 4.5 million people have diabetes with around 90 per cent living with Type 2 diabetes. Here in the Basildon and Brentwood CCG area, it is estimated there are around 17,500 people living with diabetes.

Local GP Dr Arv Guniyangodage, Chair of Basildon and Brentwood CCG, said “Receiving the right information and healthcare support is a vital part of reducing some of the complications that can arise from poorly managed-diabetes. For example, four out of five amputations could be prevented as 80 per cent begin as foot ulcers, which are largely avoidable and far more treatable if found early. I strongly urge anyone living with Type 2 diabetes, to attend this free event”.

Brioni Maker, Diabetes UK Eastern Improving Care Manager, said: “We know that being diagnosed with the condition can have a life-changing effect on people.

“There is a lot of information to take in, particularly at the time of diagnosis, so this ‘Living with Diabetes Day’ is a great way to get detailed expert advice in an easy-to-digest way, as well as being an opportunity to meet other people living with Type 2 diabetes.

“We hope the event will give people with Type 2 diabetes in the area the information and confidence they need to live well with the condition.”

The Living with Diabetes Day is on Friday 29 September from 9.30am-4pm at Basildon Sporting Village, Gloucester Park North, Cranes Farm Road, Basildon SS14 3GR.

Anyone interested in attending can book a place at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/basildon-living-with-diabetes-day-tickets-36712778910 . Places are limited – so book today.

You can also email bbccg.contact@nhs.net or call Basildon and Brentwood CCG on 01268 594350.