PEOPLE living with or at risk of diabetes, along with their family and friends, are invited to take part in a special parkrun event in Carmarthen on Saturday 14 November to mark World Diabetes Day.

Hywel Dda University Health Board and Diabetes UK are working in partnership with the organisers of the weekly parkrun at Parc Dewi Sant to encourage people to complete the 5km course at their own pace.

People who attend will also be able to receive a range of information and support about diabetes, including learning more about the importance of taking early action.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “The theme of World Diabetes Day this year is ‘Early action on diabetes’ and joining an activity like a parkrun is just one way people can help to reduce their risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes and the knock-on effects it can have on their health.

“It’s also crucial to spot the signs of type 1 diabetes as early as possible as this can help prevent life-threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

“Community-based events such as parkruns are accessible to people of all abilities and support mental wellbeing as well as physical health. They also provide valuable opportunities to make connections with people in their community.

“Health board staff will be on hand to offer a range of information and advice alongside our counterparts from Diabetes UK Cymru, helping raise awareness of diabetes and the support available.

“There’s no pressure to run so people can take their time, so even if this will be their first step towards better health, it will be a great opportunity to start that journey.”

Diabetes is a serious condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. This can happen when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the insulin it produces does not work effectively.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, while those with type 2 diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. There are also other types of diabetes, including gestational diabetes during pregnancy.

Common symptoms of diabetes include needing to go to the toilet more often, especially at night; feeling very thirsty; feeling more tired than usual; losing weight without trying; experiencing genital itching or thrush; slow-healing cuts or wounds; and blurred vision. Symptoms can vary, but it is important not to ignore them.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of diabetes is encouraged to contact their GP and ask for a blood test.

Anyone wishing to join the parkrun event in Carmarthen needs to register at and bring their personal barcode on the day. For more information and to sign-up visit https://parkrun.org.uk/parcdewisant.

For the first time ever, all seven health boards across Wales are joining forces with Diabetes UK, and parkrun to mark World Diabetes Day, with events taking place at seven parkrun locations across the country.

If you are unable to attend this event, there are 11 adult parkuns and two junior parkruns taking place in the Hywel Dda area each weekend. To find your nearest parkrun visit https://parkrun.org.uk/events

For more information about diabetes, symptoms and treatment visit https://phw.nhs.wales/topic/diabetes.

For information and support to help you get and stay healthy visit https://hduhb.nhs.wales/staying-healthy.