Hampshire diabetes wellness day set for June

Hampshire healthcare professionals are coming together for an event designed to help people understand their diabetes better.

The Diabetes Wellness Day South brings together a wealth of information under one roof on Saturday, June 25.

Family members, friends and carers and those with an interest in diabetes are also encouraged to take part in the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation (DRWF) event.

The Wellness days take place all over the country and are used to provide attendees with the tools, knowledge and practical skills needed to improve life with diabetes and live a healthier lifestyle.

Participants have the opportunity to raise their questions, share their experiences and enjoy the support of a friendly, like-minded diabetes community in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Satellite sessions

Now in its eighth year the event has moved to the Solent Hotel at Whiteley because of its central location.

Activities for children with type 1 diabetes have been planned

The programme of the day will focus on the many different topics that affect people living with diabetes.

This year the talks will run as satellite sessions and be repeated throughout the day.

Dr Iain Cranston,  a consultant physician in diabetes and endocrinology at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust will talk about technology in diabetes and Dr Mayank Patel, a consultant physician in diabetes at University Hospitals Southampton NHS Trust will discuss screening services and diabetes resources.

Arts and craft diabetes themed activities have been planned for children with type 1 diabetes to participate in and character Captain Insulin has been scheduled to make an appearance.

Pilot Douglas Cairns from Flying With Diabetes will also be flying by in his two-seat Vans RV8 aerobatic display aircraft .

Mr Cairns is the first pilot to complete a round-the world flight with type 1 diabetes.

In this ground-breaking world first he flew his twin-engine aircraft 26,300 miles through 22 different countries during a five month journey.

People wishing to attend are being asked to pay a small registration fee of £5 per person, which includes the full programme of talks and activities, access to the exhibition hall, refreshments, a hot lunch and free parking.