Diabetes Awareness Week 60 seconds with Kalpita Majumdar
How long have you worked at Whipps Cross Hospital
I’ve worked here for four and a half years, and joined Whipps Cross Hospital as a consultant in 2015.
Tell us more about your role?
I’m the clinical lead for the diabetic service at Whipps Cross Hospital. I specialise in insulin pumps, and I lead on the diabetic foot clinic across Barts Heallth. We have a team made up of five consultants, five diabetic nurses and work with other multidisciplinary teams such as podiatrists and dieticians. I co-ordinate the clinic and also manage the ward rounds.
What made you consider diabetes as your speciality?
When I did my medical rotation I discovered that I enjoyed working in the diabetic department, as it has a variety of opportunities. There’s lots of clinical evidence emerging about diabetes so it’s a really exciting time to be working in this speciality. I enjoy educating staff and patients about diabetes to help make a difference to their lives.
What would you say to someone who was considering specialising in diabetes?
It’s a very welcoming speciality, everyone I’ve worked with has been extremely friendly and supportive. If you enjoy scientific research, then it’s a fantastic way to learn more about clinical research and put this into practice. It’s also a relevant topic as so many more people are being diagnosed with diabetes in this modern age, and It’s up to us to help make our patients feel empowered. Our recent prime minister is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and is an excellent role model for those who live with the condition and proves that their future is not limited.
How are we celebrating Diabetes Awareness Week at Whipps Cross?
We’re teaming up with Diabetes UK, The Lion's Club and local volunteersto host a stall in Walthamstow Market Square on Saturday 15 June. It’s a great chance to raise public awareness for diabetes and we’re also offering information, advice and opportunities for members of the public to be tested for diabetes. Testing involves a finger prick test, and we provide risk scores, BMI tests and blood sugars tests. Last year we saw between 150-200 people who were interested in getting tested and learn more about diabetes. 