DIABETES UK still has team places available for this year’s Bupa Great North Run on Sunday, September 20. More than 40,000 would-be runners missed out in the ballot for places, so this could be a final chance to take part.

About 2.5 million people in the UK have diabetes and this could double by 2010. There are another estimated 500,000 people who are unaware they have the condition. Diabetes can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, stroke and lower limb amputation. It is also the largest cause of blindness in working age people.

Diabetes is also increasingly affecting young people and children. Currently there are about 25,000 people under 25 with Type 1 who need daily insulin injections just to stay alive. There is also a steady increase in children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Money raised from the Great North Run will help to continue supporting those with the condition and fund research for a cure.

Anyone with their own place for the run can still join the Diabetes UK team. Runners will receive a vest and training schedule among other benefits.

Please call Lisa Stafford at our regional office in Darlington on 01325-488606 or email lisa.stafford@diabetes.org.uk for further information.

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive, Diabetes UK.