WIREDGOV

Diabetes UK has released a free interactive CD-ROM about Type 2 diabetes tailored towards the South Asian community, to help people better manage their diabetes and ultimately improve their quality of life.

There are more than two million South Asian people living in the UK today (of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent), which represents around four per cent of the total population. South Asian people who live in the UK are up to six times more likely to have diabetes than the White population.

Interactive way to understand diabetes

The CD-ROM, called "Patient Interaction Education for the South Asian Community", takes the viewer through a journey of understanding diabetes and how it can be managed. It uses interactive animations, voice-over and subtitles to explain what diabetes is, the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, information about fasting and how to test blood glucose levels. The production of the CD-ROM was sponsored by Lilly.

Diabetes UK Equality and Diversity Manger, Jenne Dixit, said, "South Asians in the UK are up to six times more likely to have diabetes than White people, and they are at higher risk from the age of 25 rather than over 40, which is the case in the White population. This free CD-ROM shows viewers what diabetes is, and how to manage it effectively, in an interactive way.

"If not managed properly, diabetes can have serious and life-threatening complications, such as stroke, heart disease, blindness and amputation. I hope that this CD-ROM will give people a better understanding of their condition, and help them to achieve an improved quality of life."

How to get the free CD-ROM

The "Patient Interaction Education for the South Asian Community" CD-ROM can be ordered via the Diabetes UK Catalogue (product number 5672) and the Diabetes UK Online Shop, by or telephone on 0800 585088. Please note that there is a postage charge for the CD.

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