Such findings have really struck a chord with residents across Erdington and prompted Witton Lodge Community Association to act. In partnership with Seventh-Day, health and wellbeing officers from Witton Lodge will be delivering advice and guidance to people during a brand new workshop entitled Reversing Diabetes. Running for eight weeks, the sessions take place at Erdington Library, starting on Monday June 24th.

“A lot of people around Erdington have growing concerns over diabetes,” said Wellbeing Officer, Fauzia Begum. “We have been getting a lot of comments and questions from people about what they can do to preventing the condition as well as manage it.

“These sessions will explore that with a focus on diet and lifestyle and other trigger factors such as stress and (lack of) exercise. We want to empower people to take better control of their health so they can lead fulfilling, active lives. People taking part in the workshops will be actively encouraged to learn new cooking methods while free blood pressure and blood sugar tests will also be available to them.”

Primarily targeting the over 50s, Reversing Diabetes hopes to raise awareness of the condition and the range of dangers it poses.

“There is a projection stating that a third of children born after 2002 will die before their parents through type 2 diabetes,” said Paul Haworth. “This is staggering. To think that people are, presently, living longer than they ever have, we are going to see this reversed and very soon too. It’s no wonder our government has put a tax on sugar.

“Not only could these Reversing Diabetes workshops help you they could help your children and grandchildren. We look forward to seeing you there.”