KEITH Vaz, Labour MP for Leicester East, was announced the winner of the inaugural Diabetes UK Parliamentary Champion at a House of Commons parliamentary reception on Tuesday.
The award recognises politicians who have gone beyond the call of duty in raising the issue of diabetes in parliament. The event marks the 75th anniversary and recognises the progress made in diabetes care during this period.
Diabetes UK chief executive Douglas Smallwood said: “Keith’s contribution to raising awareness of diabetes in parliamentary circles has been invaluable. I would like to convey my sincere thanks to him on behalf of everyone at Diabetes UK.
“With 400 people being diagnosed with diabetes every day in the UK – equal to one person every three minutes – the condition is one of the biggest health challenges currently facing the UK.
“Moving diabetes up the political agenda in Diabetes UK’s 75th anniversary year is a must if we are to curb this health crisis and see a reduction in the number of people being diagnosed with this serious condition.”
Diabetes, widely prevalent among Asians, can lead to long term conditions such as heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney failure if not treated.
To find out more about diabetes and what treatments are available, visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/silent-assassin
