Diabetes UK announced as official charity partner for The Simplyhealth Great Run Series 2019
Simplyhealth is delighted to announce that it has chosen Diabetes UK as the official charity partner of the Simplyhealth Great Run Series 2019 - the UK’s biggest programme of mass participation running events for people of all ages and abilities, including the iconic Simplyhealth Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon.
Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. It is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting more people than any other serious health condition in the UK - more than dementia and cancer combined.
There are now over 3.7 million people living with diabetes. 10% of those are living with Type 1 diabetes and 90% have Type 2. It’s estimated that of that 90%, there are nearly 1 million people with Type 2 but have not yet been diagnosed and a further 12.3 million people at risk of developing it. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications, such as amputations, sight loss, kidney failure and stroke.
By partnering with Diabetes UK, Simplyhealth is able to continue supporting people with their health, encouraging as many people as possible to become more active on a regular basis for better physical and mental wellbeing.
We know that physical activity is a vitally important way for people living with or at risk of diabetes to manage their health more effectively. Research tells us that three out of five cases of Type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed by making healthy lifestyle changes including exercising – be that running, jogging, walking, swimming, or cycling on the flat. We want our partnership with Diabetes UK to drive positive change to peoples’ health and wellbeing, and encourage more people to make healthy choices to reduce the risk of diabetes.
“Exercise is an excellent way for people living with or without diabetes to improve their overall health. We’re excited about the opportunity to increase awareness of how physical activity can help people manage or reduce risk of Type 2 diabetes. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 can be prevented or delayed by making healthier choices, including following a healthy diet and taking increased physical activity. Together we can reach more people at risk of Type 2 diabetes and help them make positive changes to their health, in order to prevent one of the biggest health challenges facing people living in the UK today.”
Kicking off the 2019 Simplyhealth Great Run Series on Saturday 12th January 2019, is the Simplyhealth Great Stirling Castle Run followed by the Simplyhealth Great Stirling XCountry run, which will be broadcast on BBC One from 1.15pm.
Olympic athlete, Laura Muir, will be also joining the British team as she makes her season debut. “It's always nice to get out into the countryside of Scotland for a run early in the New Year, especially when it’s at an event like the Simplyhealth Great XCountry. This year a new venue adds an extra bit excitement and I’m looking forward to racing the new course with the backdrop of Stirling Castle.”
Whether you’re training for your first ever event or have your eye on a marathon PB, Simplyhealth is here to support you every step of the way.
As official charity partner, all participants for any of the Simplyhealth Great Run events without a chosen charity will be encouraged to run for Diabetes UK.
For experts tips and information on how to get the best out of your pre-event training and your running journey, visit our Train & Prepare pages at www.greatrun.org/training-simplyhealth.
About Simplyhealth
Since 1872 we’ve been helping people get healthcare through our health plans, charity partnerships and by being a voice in healthcare. Today we’re delighted to be the UK’s leading provider of health plans, dental plans and pet health plans, which help individuals, families, employees and pets to get support with their health when they need it.
We don’t have shareholders which means we are totally focused on making sure no one goes without the healthcare support they need, and why we are passionate about being a voice in healthcare and partnering with charities to reduce health inequality.
Last year we donated £1.13 million to our charity partners which equates to over 10% of our pre-tax profits. Additionally, our partnership with the Simplyhealth Great Run Series raised over £40 million for charitable causes.
To find out more visit: www.simplyhealth.co.uk
For further information contact Simplyhealth Communications team:
Simplyhealth: elisa.mirracartney@simplyhealth
PHA: simplyhealth@thephagroup.com / 0207 0251 350
About Diabetes UK
• Diabetes UK’s aim is to create a world where diabetes can do no harm. Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time, affecting more people than any other serious health condition in the UK - more than dementia and cancer combined. There is currently no known cure for any type of diabetes. With the right treatment, knowledge and support people living with diabetes can lead a long and healthy life.
• Diabetes is a condition where there is too much glucose in the blood because the body cannot use it properly. If not managed well, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to devastating complications. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in people of working age in the UK and is a major cause of lower limb amputation, kidney failure and stroke.
• People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. About 10 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 1. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s not to do with being overweight and it isn’t currently preventable. It’s the most common type of diabetes in children and young adults, starting suddenly and getting worse quickly. Type 1 diabetes is treated by daily insulin doses – taken either by injections or via an insulin pump. It is also recommended to follow a healthy diet and take regular physical activity.
• People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly (known as insulin resistance). Around 90 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 2. They might get Type 2 diabetes because of their family history, age and ethnic background puts them at increased risk. They are also more likely to get Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight. It starts gradually, usually later in life, and it can be years before they realise they have it. Type 2 diabetes is treated with a healthy diet and increased physical activity. In addition, tablets and/or insulin can be required.
• For more information on reporting on diabetes, download our journalists’ guide: Diabetes in the News: A Guide for Journalists on Reporting on Diabetes (PDF, 3MB).
For more information about diabetes and the charity’s work, visit www.diabetes.org.uk
Diabetes UK’s media relations team can be reached on:
Email pressteam@diabetes.org.uk
Tel (office hours 9am and 5pm): 020 7424 1165
Out-of-hours duty press officer: 07711 176028