I AM writing to let your readers know how important it is to have your free flu jab as soon as possible if you have diabetes. There are over 72,000 people living with diabetes in South Wales and they are particularly at risk of flu and its complications. People with diabetes under the age of 65 are over nine times more likely to die from the flu than people who don’t have diabetes in this age group.

Having flu can affect diabetes control and cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate. This can leave people with diabetes open to many other health problems, including pneumonia and bronchitis. But the free flu jab takes a minute, lasts a year and could save your life.

Last year just over 65 per cent of people with diabetes in Wales had their flu jab to protect themselves against what can be a deadly virus. This is why I am supporting Public Health Wales’ campaign to encourage people with long term health conditions including diabetes, anyone aged over 65 and pregnant women to have their free flu jab and ‘beat flu’ this winter.

So if you are living with this condition, or you are caring for someone who does, then make an appointment today to get your free flu jab or find out more by visiting www.beatflu.org or www.curwchffliw.org

Dai Williams

National Director

Diabetes UK Cymru

Argyle House

Castlebridge

Cowbridge Road East

Cardiff