Lions Clubs Ireland launched the Lions Ireland Type 2 Diabetes Awareness Strategy – joining Lions Clubs worldwide in adopting Diabetes as a Signature Project. Lions Clubs Ireland and Lions in more than 200 countries committed to undertaking 1 Million Diabetes Assessments to mark World Diabetes Day on 14th November 2020.
A Lions Signature Project
The Lions Signature Project aims to address the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, where eating healthily, increasing the level of physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, all play a role in preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.
John O’Donovan, Chairperson of the District Diabetes Team, stressed the importance of this initiative: “Diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death in the world and it is estimated that worldwide more than 460 million people have Diabetes, and this number is growing.”
Diabetes Ireland and Diabetes UK (NI) estimates that there are 340,000 individuals with diabetes in Ireland and approximately 80% have Type 2 Diabetes. Lions Clubs Ireland, with 102 clubs and 2,300 members in the 32 counties are organising a variety of projects and events aimed at raising awareness of Type 2 Diabetes and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Projects include the production of an informative bookmark, to the distribution of apples to primary school children as a symbol of healthy living, to local and national press and social media PR campaigns.
The Lions Signature Project aims to address the risk of Type 2 Diabetes., where eating healthily, increasing the level of physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, all play a role in preventing or delaying the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.
Lions Clubs International has set itself a target of one million completed risk assessments by World Diabetes Day on November 14th. Lions Clubs Ireland are committed to this challenge and are encouraging local communities to take the on-line Risk Assessment Test.
District Officer: John O’Donovan
Contact Details: diabetes@lionsclubs.ie
Lions Clubs Diabetes Awareness Campaign Page
Diabetes Ireland – www.diabetes.ie/are-you-at-risk-free-diabetes-test/
Diabetes UK (NI) – https://riskscore.diabetes.org.uk/start