People across Wales are being encouraged to take part in a parkrun event this month as part of the first national diabetes parkrun and parkwalk initiative of its kind. The event will take place on Saturday, November 14, at locations across Wales, aiming to raise awareness of diabetes and highlight how physical activity can help prevent type 2 diabetes and support those living with the condition.
Seven locations across Wales
The event is organised by Public Health Wales and Diabetes UK Cymru. The seven locations where the featured event will take place are:
- Penallta, Ystrad Mynach
- Old Railway Trail, Llangollen
- Trelai Park, Cardiff
- Pontypridd
- Parc Dewi Sant, Carmarthen
- Newtown
- The Gnoll, Neath
Organisers and supporters speak out
Sean Newton, healthcare engagement and systems change manager for Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "We're proud to be working with partners across Wales on this first national diabetes event of its kind.
"While everyone's experience of diabetes is different, this event is a chance for people to come together, get active and support one another. Whether you're living with diabetes, looking to reduce your risk of type two diabetes, or simply want to improve your health, everyone is welcome.
"As well as encouraging people to get active, the day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes, highlight the support available, and remind people of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes – Toilet, Thirsty, Tired and Thinner, known as the 4Ts."
The event also aims to highlight the role that physical activity can have in preventing type two diabetes. It also aims to support people living with all types of diabetes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Chris Davies, national co-ordinator for the Wales branch of parkrun UK, said: "Parkrun and parkwalk are all about making physical activity welcoming, inclusive and accessible. You don't need to be a runner to take part. Every week, people walk, jog, volunteer and support one another in communities right across Wales.
"We're proud to be working with Public Health Wales and Diabetes UK to encourage more people to discover the benefits of being active and connecting with others."
Diabetes statistics in Wales
NHS Wales has revealed that over 230,000 people aged 17 and over are living with diabetes in Wales. A further 269,747 are estimated to be living with prediabetes and 58,906 with undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes, which is approximately one in five adults in Wales.
Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health, Nerys Evans, said: "Type 2 diabetes is one of the biggest public health challenges facing Wales and, as a Government, we're committed to creating the kind of healthy environments that make it easier for people to be active and maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of diabetes and other serious conditions.
"That's why events like this matter: they show people that getting active doesn't need to be complicated or daunting, it can start with a walk around your local park. I'm proud that Wales is leading the way with this national initiative, and I'd encourage people across the country to take part, whatever their pace or ability."
