Na t i on al Ch ar i ty P a r t n e r s hi p
myth busting
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S U PP O RT D I A B E T E S W E E K A N D H E L P R A I S E AWA R E N E S S O F T H I S I N C R E A S I N G LY C O M M O N Y E T M U C H M I S U N D E R ST O O D C O N D I T I O N
With around four million people in the UK living with diabetes, most of us know someone who has it. Yet the condition, where the body is unable to use glucose properly, is still hugely misunderstood. As part of its National Charity Partnership (NCP) with Diabetes UK and the British Heart Foundation, Tesco is committed to raising awareness, and reducing the risk, of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So Tesco is getting behind Diabetes UK’s annual awareness week, 12-18 June, which aims to help set the record straight and dispel misconceptions about what it means to live with diabetes. You too can help spread the word and raise funds at diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek. To find out more, check out lets-dothis.org.uk.
Health goals With your help, the NCP has already raised £9.3 million of a £30m target to help improve the nation’s health. To achieve your own health goals, check out the NCP’s free online tool, the Let’s Do This Goal Setter. lets-dothis.org.uk
GET INVOLVED
• Host a Patron’s lunch on 12 June to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday and raise funds for the Diabetes UK careline. Visit diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek. • Find facts and videos to share: follow @tesconews and @tescoandsociety. • For more info about the NCP’s events and activities, visit lets-dothis.org.uk/events-map.
TH E TRUTH ABO UT DIAB E TES MYTH
Sugar causes diabetes
TRUTH There’s no direct link between sugar and diabetes, but indulging in the sweet stuff can make you put on weight, which is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Sugar, however, is unrelated to Type 1 diabetes – an auto-immune condition that can’t be prevented.
MYTH
You can’t play sport
TRUTH Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, who has Type 2 diabetes, proves that’s false. In fact, exercise is encouraged to help manage the condition and reduce the risk of associated complications, such as heart disease. If you’re starting a new regime, contact your healthcare team.
MYTH
You can’t eat sweet things
TRUTH ‘Can you eat that?’ is a frustrating comment people living with diabetes often hear. ‘Yes I can,’ is the answer, just as much as the next person. Sweet treats can be enjoyed in moderation, and as part of a healthy, balanced diet that’s low in salt, saturated fat and sugar.
For more info on the partnership, visit tescocharitypartnership.co.uk
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