“Keep fit, eat well and reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes whatever your age” is the message of the Bath Diabetes, Health and Wellbeing Fair, being held on Saturday 8th June.

Paralympic athlete Stephanie Millward
The local Diabetes UK Bath group, who are staging the event in the Parade Gardens, have invited Paralympic swimming double gold medallist Stephanie Millward MBE and skeleton athlete Jack Thomas to help them reinforce the advice.
There are 8,600 people living with diabetes in Bath and North East Somerset.
Of those, 90 per cent have Type 2 diabetes, in which people don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly.
Being overweight is the single greatest risk factor for developing the condition, while age, family history, and ethnicity can also contribute.
The event will feature entertainment from Team Bath Rhythmic Gymnasts and a ukulele band.
There will also be keep fit demonstrations and free football for children run by over 50s team sports organisation Life in the Old Dogs.
Meanwhile, visitors will be able to visit the health and wellbeing hub, find out their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, get hints on healthy eating and discover the latest diabetes technology. The mayor of Bath will open the fair.
Paralympic athlete Stephanie Millward said: “Personally, I have MS and I find that the more exercise I do the better I feel. In addition to swimming, I ride horses every week and go to the gym and do yoga.
“These all help both my body and mind to be stronger and fitter. I certainly advocate that everyone should be as fit as possible and hope my example will help motivate people to do more.
“Every little activity counts; always attempt an extra few lengths, steps, repetitions or minutes, even if you think you can’t. Always believe in yourself.”
Clive Johnstone, Bath Diabetes UK group chairman, said: “We have very good diabetes services locally, but with the increase nationally in both diabetes and heart disease, we think it’s important to emphasise the importance of living as healthily as possible.
“Don’t worry, we won’t be wagging any fingers on 8 June – the aim of the Bath Diabetes, Health and Wellbeing Fair is to make sure people from Bath and beyond have a fun afternoon with the chance to meet some top athletes.”
Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK South West Regional Head, added: “There is more evidence than ever that taking exercise and eating healthily can prevent Type 2 diabetes, and mitigate its effects if you already have it.
“Go along to the Bath Diabetes, Health and Wellbeing Fair if you possibly can and find out how to go about it, while enjoying yourself at the same time at what promises to be a wonderful event for the whole family.”
The Bath Diabetes, Health and Wellbeing Fair takes place on Saturday, 8th June 2019 from 12-4pm at Parade Gardens in Bath. Free entry for Discovery Card holders, £2 for non-card holders to enter.