Diabetes Walk in Ballymena – last chance to sign up

DIABETES UK Northern Ireland is reminding people in the Ballymena area to put their feet first for diabetes and register now to take part in their local Walk in the Park. The walk will take place at the Ecos Centre on Saturday, June 23 at 2pm.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Jun 2012, 16:19 BST

Naomi Brown, National Fundraising Assistant for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland said: “This is just a final reminder so that everyone who wants to take part can get themselves organised. It is a lovely family day out and is a good way for people to meet other families in the area who have been affected by diabetes. Diabetes UK depends on events such as this to provide vital funds for research, information, care and support for those affected by diabetes. I would like to thank all those who have registered and hope we get some lovely sunny weather to enjoy!”

The event is one of 16 walking events taking place across Northern Ireland to raise funds for Diabetes UK Northern Ireland. This is the first time a walk has been organised in this area and the charity is hoping for great support.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The walk is two miles long so the entire family can take part and the route is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs with dogs allowed on leads. Everyone who completes the route will receive a medal. To register for the walk and to receive a sponsorship form, please contact Naomi Brown on 028 9066 6646 email [email protected].

Latest figures indicate 2800 people in the Ballymena Borough Council area are diagnosed with diabetes. Overall in Northern Ireland, there are 73,500 people diagnosed with the condition, 1000 of which are young people and children.

Diabetes is a serious condition where the amount of glucose in your blood is too high. Insulin controls the levels of glucose in the blood. People with Type 1 diabetes do not produce any insulin. People with Type 2 diabetes may produce some insulin but not enough, or the insulin is not working properly (this is known as insulin resistance). If diabetes is not managed effectively and the blood glucose levels do not stay as close to normal as possible it can lead to long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure and amputation. Diabetes kills more people in the UK than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

Related topics:Northern IrelandBallymenaInsulin