Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Rhinos Foundation are teaming up to help tackle diabetes.
The Rhinos host Hull FC at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Friday 15 April and an expert team from Leeds Beckett, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and a range of partners will be on hand to talk to fans about how they can take simple steps to tackle diabetes.
The team will be at the ground from 5.30pm offering free advice and information and ideas about how to join in with the campaign. They will also show fans what the signs of diabetes are, how to check if you are at risk and how you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Around the stadium will be the Healthy Living Service and fans will be able to visit the Ministry of Food stand in the South Stand car park for free samples and advice on healthy living.
As Paul Gately, Professor of Exercise and Obesity at Leeds Beckett University explained: “Type 2 Diabetes is a common but serious condition – many people do not know that they have it, and many more do not realise that they are putting themselves at risk. Through this initiative with Leeds Rhinos we are asking fans to consider whether they could be at risk and to get advice if they are worried – but we also want to stress that everyone can take some simple steps to reduce their risk of Type 2 Diabetes, whatever their age.”
There are currently 3.9 million people living with diabetes in the UK. Of these, there are over 500,000 people who have the condition but don’t know it. This figure has nearly trebled since 1996, when there were 1.4 million. By 2025, it is estimated that 5 million people will have diabetes in the UK.
If it is not treated, diabetes can cause serious long-term health problems. It can severely damage eyesight, lead to kidney failure and cause people to lose a limb. People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to have diseases of the heart and blood vessels (such as stroke) than those without diabetes. It's very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because it will get progressively worse if left untreated.
The Leeds Rhinos squad are also backing the campaign with a number of the players appearing in a short film talking about why they think tackling diabetes is so important for them and their fans and what fans can do to join the fight against this common but disabling condition.
Leeds Rhinos captain Danny McGuire added: “This is a great opportunity for our fans to come along and find out about how they can tackle their risk of diabetes. There are lots of people at the ground who can give good advice and show you how easy it is to take some simple steps. As players we understand the importance and value of good healthy food, and we love getting active, particularly with our families and our friends. So come and join us on Friday 15 April as we together take some simple steps to tackle diabetes.”
Leeds Rhinos Foundation are currently running a number of initiatives focused on encouraging healthy lifestyles. Their Try Club health management programme and their women's Clubbercise fitness classes are just some of the examples of the work they are delivering. For more information email stephen.turrell@leedsrhinosfoundation.org