UEL Diabetes Conference champions community health

The University of East London has brought together healthcare leaders, researchers, students and community organisations for its 7th Annual Diabetes Conference, shining a spotlight on the growing need for community-led approaches to tackling diabetes and long-term health inequalities.

This year’s conference, titled “Living with Diabetes and Long-Term Conditions; Self-Care for Sustainable Health and Well-Being”, explored how education, prevention, outreach and local partnerships can help transform health outcomes for people living with diabetes across East London and beyond.

Hosted by Dr Patricia Smith, Senior Lecturer in Allied and Public Health at UEL, the event forms part of the university’s wider commitment to addressing health inequalities through research, healthcare education and grassroots community engagement.

Bringing together NHS professionals, academics, charities, local authorities and community groups, the conference examined some of the most pressing issues surrounding diabetes care today from socio-economic inequalities and cultural barriers to prevention, nutrition and access to support.

The conference highlighted how diabetes continues to disproportionately impact underserved communities and the importance of building more accessible and preventative models of healthcare within neighbourhoods and local communities.

Experts from across healthcare and academia explored how stronger collaboration between universities, healthcare systems and local organisations can help improve awareness, encourage earlier intervention and empower individuals to better manage long-term conditions.

A major focus of the event was UEL’s growing Diabetes Outreach Initiative, which developed from the annual conference first launched in 2018 and has since evolved into a wider community health programme supporting people living with diabetes and pre-diabetes across Newham.

The initiative brings together UEL staff, NHS professionals, partner organisations, universities, charities, carers, community groups and students to improve access to health education, self-care support and preventative healthcare services.

Working alongside the UEL Neighbourhood Health Hub, the programme has already delivered a series of local initiatives including diabetes workshops through GP practices in Newham, student outreach placements with community pharmacies and continuing professional development courses for healthcare assistants.

As part of the outreach programme, regular community clinics are held throughout the month to provide accessible support and advice for local residents living with diabetes or at risk of developing the condition.

Every second Tuesday of the month, residents can attend drop-in wellbeing sessions offering health checks, blood pressure and weight monitoring, as well as support with reviewing blood pressure patterns and general wellbeing enquiries.

Additional monthly clinics held every fourth Tuesday provide exercise and qi gong sessions specifically designed for people living with diabetes, alongside diet and nutrition advice, educational resources and one-to-one consultations focused on self-care and long-term wellbeing.

The outreach workshops are designed to explain diabetes in clear and accessible language while helping tackle misconceptions and cultural barriers surrounding the condition. Sessions also provide practical self-care strategies, medication guidance and support aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The conference also showcased the role students can play in improving public health outcomes through community engagement. UEL Public Health students involved in local outreach initiatives reflected on their experiences supporting residents in pharmacies and community settings, gaining first-hand insight into health inequalities and preventative healthcare.

Dr Patricia Smith, Senior Lecturer in Allied and Public Health at the University of East London and Conference Convenor, said:

Diabetes deeply affects families and communities, especially where inequalities persist. This conference matters because it unites experts and communities to drive practical solutions, prevention and long term wellbeing.

Our diabetes outreach focuses on making health information accessible locally. Through education, partnerships and early intervention, we aim to empower people to understand their health and improve their quality of life.”

The conference forms part of UEL’s wider Year of Health activity, which focuses on tackling inequalities, improving community wellbeing and advancing healthcare innovation across East London.

To learn more about UEL’s Diabetes Outreach Initiative, upcoming workshops and community clinics, or to book a session, visit the Diabetes Outreach webpage.

The programme is open to all ages and welcomes people living with diabetes, pre-diabetes, carers, families and members of the local community looking to access practical health and wellbeing support.