A diabetes charity has organised its Nailing Diabetes challenge on World Diabetes Day, in an effort to increase awareness for patients and the public.
Diabetes UK, a charity organisation held its #NailingDiabetes challenge to paint nails blue to raise public awareness on World Diabetes Day.
Diabetes sufferer Iltaf, 21, from Sheffield, said: “I think World Diabetes Day would definitely raise the awareness of public, I think people now get to know more about diabetes than before.
“I have had type 1 diabetes since I was three years old, since then I have to do injection every time before meals.
“When I was 13 and eating out in restaurants, I usually injected myself in the toilet to avoid attracting attention. I am afraid that people may respond negatively if they witness someone injecting medication in public.
“But now, I believe that people are more informed about diabetes, and they recognise that injection is a normal part of managing the condition. So I wouldn’t feel I need to discreetly inject myself in public anymore.”
Jennifer Shaw, Engaging Communities manager of Diabetes UK, said: “We’ve been doing nailing diabetes for a few years.
“Diabetes is quite often an invisible condition, whereas if you paint your nails blue, it’s noticeable, so it’s a way of us showing off support for people living with diabetes.”
In addition to the symbolic act of painting nails blue, World Diabetes Day also presents an opportunity to heighten public awareness about diabetes.
Ms Shaw said: “As a charity, it’s a chance to increase awareness around the condition and share our messaging around diabetes, so that people understand their risks of developing diabetes, but also know how to live a long healthy life and get support avaliable.”
World Diabetes Day holds significance not only for diabetes patients but also for providing them with a comprehension of their condition.
Ms Shaw said: “For patients living with diabetes, it’s a chance for others to educate themselves around what diabetes is, and how they can support their friends, family and colleagues.
“It’s also a chance for people living with diabetes to empower themselves as well, seek support if they need it, to learn more about their condition, get the care that they deserve and know their rights when they’re living with diabetes.”
