News

Diabetes sufferers in Pembrokeshire nearly 7,000

Published

10 years ago

June 22, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Diabetes sufferers in Pembrokeshire nearly 7,000

A STAGGERING 6950 people in Pembrokeshire are now estimated to be living with diabetes, a health charity has announced today, on the launch of Diabetes Week 2016 (June 12-18)

Diabetes UK Cymru is highlighting the scale of the ‘diabetes epidemic’ as Wales now has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the UK as 7.1 per cent of people aged 17 and over are living with the condition.

The charity is also forecasting that by the end of Diabetes Week 4,500 people in the UK will have been diagnosed with this life-changing condition.

As the number of people living with the condition in the area and across Wales continues to grow the charity is hoping to raise more awareness of the condition. Throughout the next week, Diabetes UK Cymru and people living with diabetes will be highlighting the many myths and misconceptions that surround this complex and often misunderstood condition in order to drive up awareness.

Worryingly, new research released today by Diabetes UK shows there is still a lack of understanding surrounding diabetes, with many people not recognising the seriousness of the condition. A recent survey of 1,491 GB adults aged over 15 found that 53% of people are unaware that poorly managed diabetes can lead to often devastating complications such as heart attack and strokes. The poll also found that one in three people, when asked, thought that it was true that Type 1 diabetes was linked to being overweight, when in fact it is not linked to lifestyle whatsoever and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it.

The charity is concerned that confusions such as this could lead to people making false assumptions about the condition and are calling on everyone to become diabetes aware by urging them to take some time this week to learn about the signs and symptoms, especially when Type 2 diabetes can take up to ten years to be diagnosed, unlike Type 1 where symptoms tend to develop rapidly.

Diabetes UK Cymru’s Director Dai Williams said: “This Diabetes Week we are setting the record straight and focusing on the realities of living with the condition. There is still a lack of understanding when it comes to people being aware of the seriousness of diabetes and this worries us at Diabetes UK.

“There are now the highest ever number of people estimated to be living with diabetes in Pembrokeshire, which really highlights the current scale of the crisis.”

Despite the stark warning, the charity is also using the week to share many stories from people living with diabetes but who do not let the condition hold them back.

Dai Williams continued: “Diabetes Week is a time to share our concerns about the scale and seriousness of diabetes, but it is also a fantastic opportunity to highlight that with the right healthcare, support and management, diabetes doesn’t have to hold anyone back.”

High profile supporters are backing the week, including Eastenders star Jonny Labey, who has Type 1 diabetes and the Hairy Bikers, as well as singer and stage star Alexandra Burke.

Alexandra understands more than most how the condition can be misunderstood. Alexandra’s mother has Type 2 diabetes and is on kidney dialysis as a result of her condition. Alexandra said, “The biggest misconception I feel people have around Type 2 diabetes is that it can just be left and not treated.”

Entertainment

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

11 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PUBLIC INVITED TO LETTERSTON EVENT HOSTED BY TRANSITION BRO GWAUN

A FREE public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing is to be held at Letterston Memorial Hall on Friday, May 29.

The event, hosted by Transition Bro Gwaun, starts at 7:00pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm.

The screening will be introduced by Dr Sarah Beynon, of The Bug Farm, St Davids, and will be followed by a structured discussion on climate and nature risks and what they may mean for local communities.

The 50-minute film has been adapted from the National Emergency Briefing, held at Westminster Central Hall in November 2025, where more than 1,200 MPs, peers, business leaders, cultural figures, faith representatives, sports figures and media leaders gathered to hear from experts on climate and nature risks.

The briefing, introduced by Chris Packham CBE, examines the potential impact of climate and nature breakdown on food security, public health, infrastructure, the economy and national security.

Dr Beynon said: “We are in a biodiversity and climate emergency. We have destroyed over half of our wildlife. In my late father’s lifetime, we have destroyed 97% of our wildflower meadows.

“Over 80% of our habitats are in poor condition. Over 60% of our rivers are not in good health and one in five species is at risk of extinction.

“How do we want to leave this planet for future generations? Then ask yourself if you are prepared to act. If you are, the first step is to understand the issues facing us, and this film is a vital part of understanding the situation we are in so we can all step up and do something together.”

The People’s Emergency Briefing was launched nationwide in April and is now being screened in communities across the UK. Organisers say more than 300 showings have already taken place, with around 1,000 scheduled over the summer.

Further local screenings are also planned for Solva and Cardigan in June.

Transition Bro Gwaun said the Letterston event comes at a time when communities in Pembrokeshire are facing increasing pressure from severe weather, flooding, dry spells and wildfire risks.

November and December 2025 saw flooding affect many areas, with the Met Office confirming rainfall was more than 50% above average during that period.

The group said the event was not intended to be “doom and gloom”, but would also focus on practical and hopeful responses.

Henry Tufnell MP, Pembrokeshire county councillors and town and community councillors have been invited to attend.

Tom Latter, trustee at Transition Bro Gwaun, said: “TBG welcomes the opportunity to host one of many Emergency Briefing events around the UK, addressing the climate and nature crisis.

“Co-ordinated restorative action is urgently needed, and understanding of the urgency for honest commitment to resilience planning from all branches of society.”

Free tickets are available through Transition Bro Gwaun, and refreshments will be provided.

Climate

Free screening to focus on climate and nature crisis

Published

14 minutes ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair