A crowd of people seated watching a presentation at the equality, diversity and inclusion in diabetes care conference.
A crowd of people seated watching a presentation at the equality, diversity and inclusion in diabetes care conference.

UWL hosts conference on equality, diversity, and inclusion in diabetes care

Intro

On Friday 22 November UWL hosted a conference on the topic of equality, diversity and inclusion in diabetes care, consisting of insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The conference was chaired by Muili Lawal, Professor of Adult Nursing and Diabetes Care at the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare at the University of West London.

Main body

Anthony Woodman presenting at the equality, diversity and inclusion in diabetes care conference.

Despite the massive advancement in the care of people with diabetes, there is evidence to suggest inequalities in the level of care provision. In the last decade, experts in diabetes care from various nations have identified the importance of equitable diabetes care encompassing high-risk communities and disadvantaged population. 

In his welcome, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Anthony Woodman shared that he has had type 2 diabetes for 15 years and was delighted that the conference was addressing critical issues in care for those affected.

 

The impact of diabetes goes across every ethnic group and every gender, it does not at all discriminate but how we manage ourselves makes a significant difference.

At UWL our mission and our values are about providing support and opportunity irrespective of background, ethnicity and gender."

A presentation at the equality, diversity and inclusion in diabetes care conference.

The lineup of speakers included experts in the field of diabetes research and treatment. Among the topics covered were promoting care in marginalised people, addressing health inequalities, supporting people with learning disabilities and diabetes, managing diabetes in pregnant women and children, dietary and lifestyle habits among ethnic minorities with type 2 diabetes in London, pharmacological management of diabetes, and practical experience and tips in managing diabetes. 

In her keynote lecture, Head of Policy, Campaigns and Mobilisation at Diabetes UK Helen Kirrane talked about how type 2 diabetes is rapidly rising in the under 40s, many of whom are undiagnosed. 

 

We want the government to invest in identifying younger people with type 2 diabetes. For example, piloting the NHS Health check from the age of 25 in areas of high prevalence. Focusing on people most vulnerable to developing type 2 diabetes at a younger age, for example, people from black and Asian backgrounds, people in deprived areas, and people living with obesity."

In another keynote lecture, Senior Clinical Pharmacist at Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust Hameedat Omabayo focused on the pharmacological management of diabetes.  

Professor Muili Lawal commented, 

As a university that believes in the ethos of equality, diversity, and inclusion, this conference provides an opportunity to deliberate with colleagues from healthcare sectors, private organisations, and other stakeholders who are interested in addressing the challenges of inequalities in diabetes care."

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