Last Saturday 18 January 2025, the Lions Club Xenium in collaboration with the Luxembourg Red Cross (SALU service), the Luxembourg Diabetes Association (ALD), Prophac, Draiëck Asbl and Médecins du Monde, undertook a medical action at the Wanter-Aktioun site in Findel.
Between 11:00 and 16:00, the awareness-raising initiative was carried out for vulnerable members of society, with blood sugar levels checked, with the offer of appropriate follow-up based on results obtained, for a risk analysis of developing diabetes.
The importance of screening for type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that develops slowly, often without obvious symptoms. Its risk factors include genetic predispositions, an unbalanced diet, being overweight or obese, and a lack of physical activity. As this disease develops without obvious symptoms, it is often diagnosed following complications that have already set in. Early diagnosis is therefore essential to prevent serious complications and improve the quality of life of those affected. This initiative highlights the importance of raising awareness among those at risk and providing them with appropriate support.
Why this target group?
Beneficiaries of Wanter-Aktioun (WAK), often facing precarious situations, are at increased risk of developing diabetes due to factors such as lower health literacy, limited access to preventive care and an unbalanced diet. In addition to screenings organised throughout the year - by the ALD, the Ministry of Health, pharmacies and other stakeholders - this action makes it possible to target member of the population who are often not covered by these actions, thus helping to reduce health inequalities.
Accessible and adapted screening
Apart from benefitting from a blood sugar test, participants were invited to answer a standard questionnaire (Findrisk) to assess their risk of developing diabetes. Depending on the results, appropriate follow-up will be offered to ensure early treatment and avoid future complications.
The Luxembourg Red Cross
The mission of the Luxembourg Red Cross is to "improve the living conditions of vulnerable people". Its more than a thousand volunteers and more than 3,000 professionals make it a major player in the fields of Health, Social, Youth and Humanitarian Aid.
The Luxembourg Red Cross is thus involved in activities as diverse as international emergency humanitarian aid, home care, blood transfusion, rehabilitation, reception of elderly or dependent people in day or integrated centres, social assistance, reception of migrants and refugees, individual assistance to people in difficulty, halfway houses and youth centres and socio-family therapeutic services.
