Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, today congratulated East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust for their pioneering work on diabetes.

The valuable work carried out by the trust’s diabetes research team will be presented to patients, their families and healthcare workers at an Open Day on Wednesday 4th November.

People living with diabetes are being invited to find out more about the research into their condition that is being carried out in East Lancashire.

Speaking from his Nelson office, the MP commented: “It is estimated that in 2005 there were 20,760 excess deaths amongst people with diabetes between the ages of 20 and 79 years. This equates to 8.5% of all deaths in that age range.”

“In its latest annual report on Public Health, NHS East Lancashire forecasts a steep increase in the prevalence of diabetes in Pendle from 4.9% of the population in 2005 to 7.7% in 2025. This is a shocking rise for a disease like diabetes.

“The Hospital Trust is encouraging its patients to get involved in research into diabetes which will be an effective way of encouraging people to make the lifestyle changes necessary to manage their disease. About 95% of diabetics suffer from Type 2 diabetes which is believed to be caused by the body not responding correctly to its naturally produced insulin which in turn causes the pancreas to overproduce. The risk factors appear to be increasing age, obesity and physical inactivity”.

The open day takes place on Wednesday 4th November from 10am to 3pm at the Clayton park Conference Centre, Clayton-le-Moors (off Junction 7 of M65) and will include presentations from specialists involved in research work, as well as opportunities to meet the East Lancashire Diabetes Research Team. A buffet lunch will be provided.