BloodSugarSelfie campaign raises GBP3160 for diabetes cure

An online diabetes awareness campaign by Diabetes.co.uk is proving a huge success, with more than £3100 raised for charity in less than four days.
The #BloodSugarSelfie initiative was launched on Sunday 23rd March in an effort to not only highlight the daily struggles people with diabetes go through in managing their condition but also to raise money for vital diabetes research.
Hundreds of fantastic selfies of people with diabetes displaying their blood glucose readings have been posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram this week, showing that despite best efforts to keep blood sugar levels within recommended target ranges, many people still struggle with dangerously high or low blood sugars.
The selfies, many of which are of young happy children proudly showing their readings, have been viewed by over 650,000 people so far, which has helped to raise awareness of diabetes and £3160 from 629 donations including Gift Aid for JDRF, the world’s leading charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research.
Karen Addingto, JDRF UK Chief Executive, said: “JDRF received more than 60 donations within the first 24 hours of #BloodSugarSelfie appearing on social media – and they’re still coming.
“These donations will support our mission to better treat, prevent and one day cure type 1 diabetes. Thanks to diabetes.co.uk for creating this superb campaign.”
Donations are also being made to Diabetes UK, but the British-based charity is yet to disclose how much money has been raised through the #BloodSugarSelfie campaign.
To be a part of the inspirational campaign, send your #BloodSugarSelfie by posting it on the Diabetes.co.uk Facebook wall or via private message where it will be shared with over 108,000 followers. Photos can also be posted on Twitter @Diabetescouk with the #BloodSugarSelfie hashtag.
To make a donation to JDRF, text DCUK14 followed by the amount you would like to give to 70070.
For more support on managing blood sugar levels or anything else diabetes related, join the Diabetes.co.uk Forum at: https://bit.ly/DCUKregister
Testing blood glucose levels is a vital aspect of diabetes management for individuals with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetics treated with insulin. Studies have show, however, that structured blood glucose testing can also help people with type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin improve their glycemic control and reduce the likelihood of developing serious diabetic complications.