Rise in diabetes in West Norfolk
A BIG increase in the numbers of people suffering from diabetes in West Norfolk has sparked an innovative way to raise awareness of the condition.
A free theatre production, called All Shook Up, is being staged in North Lynn this week and if it is successful it could be rolled out around the county.
The one-act play, produced by the Pyramid Theatre Company and developed with sponsorship from the Department of Health, has already proved to be a hugely successful health education tool during its two-year tour.
Now it is coming to the West Norfolk Professional Development Centre in Kilhams Way, near Lynn's fire station, on Wednesday (March 19), from 2pm to 4.30pm.
Its aims include encouraging people to undergo diabetes testing and raising awareness of the links between lifestyle and the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
Through her team based in the west of the county, Julie Widdowson, Norfolk Primary Care Trust diabetes practitioner, diagnoses 500 people every year and in five years her patient list has soared from 3,500 to 8,500-plus.
She said: "Type 2 diabetes is on the increase, coinciding with the increase in obesity, poor diet and lifestyle choices.
"But dispelling the myths and stigma surrounding the condition is vital, especially when taking early action to control it is so important.
"Fear and misinformation can go a long way in holding people back from being tested and dealing with the condition, which can land them with more serious complications.
"We are hoping that, as well as some of our established diabetic patients attending the play, we can pick up those who may have concerns about whether or not they have the condition, or even people who just want to be better educated on how to avoid developing diabetes."
Ms Widdowson said that after the 50-minute play there is a "hot-seating session", where the actors remain in character and take comments from the audience.
"Many people feel more relaxed asking about some of the sensitive health issues linked to diabetes via the play's characters, rather than admitting it is a problem personal to them," she said.
"There will also be a formal question and answer opportunity immediately afterwards with health experts and clinicians on-hand to answer any direct questions or issues people may be facing."
Written by professional playwright Pete Lawson, All Shook Up focuses on lorry-driving Elvis impersonator Frank, who is diagnosed with diabetes.
Ms Widdowson said: "In my experience what Frank goes through is not uncommon among people with diabetes, and this play relates to people of all ages and at varying stages of accepting or living with the condition."
Tickets are available on request from Ms Widdowson on 01553 816226.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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