A charity has launched a drive to connect with the more than 22,000 people living with diabetes in Milton Keynes. Diabetes UK Milton Keynes wants to expand its reach and ensure residents know about the free support available on their doorstep.
The volunteer-run group holds monthly meet-ups at Centrecom Community Centre on the third Thursday of each month, except December. Doors open at 7pm for a cup of tea and a browse through information leaflets, before a speaker or group discussion begins at 7.30pm. The evening wraps up between 8.30pm and 9pm depending on questions. The service is free, although donations are welcome.
The push comes as data reveals that over 70,000 people across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are living with the condition, representing nearly 6.5 per cent of the local population. Figures from the 2022/23 NHS reporting year show that only 57 per cent of patients in the wider region had completed all eight recommended annual care checks, such as HbA1c blood tests, blood pressure monitoring and kidney function assessments.
Alongside the adult group, a dedicated MK Kids with Diabetes network supports children and young people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes up to the age of 18, as well as their families. Diabetes UK MK also has a committee available to give talks or host information stands at local events.
Anyone with diabetes or pre-diabetes, along with family members and carers, can attend. Inquiries can be directed to Corinne Wykes or Lesley Franklin on 07964 161792 or 07841 979760.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
