People living in Bath and North East Somerset are invited to find out their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes at Diabetes UK’s ‘Know Your Risk Roadshow’, which is taking place today in the city.
The Roadshow, delivered by Diabetes UK in partnership with Tesco, will be at Stall Street (by the Roman Baths) in the centre of Bath from 10am.
Members of the public can visit the Roadshow to find out their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes free of charge, by answering some simple questions and having their height, weight and waist measured.
They can also access valuable information on how to reduce their risk of developing the condition.
NHS Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (BaNES CCG) is responsible for overseeing the planning and delivery of local diabetes services.
Dr Ruth Grabham, local GP and Medical Director at BaNES CCG said: “It is very important for diabetes to be diagnosed as early as possible because the condition can get progressively worse if left untreated.
“If you are worried you may have some early symptoms or want to look after yourself properly, make time to speak to one of the Roadshow volunteers about your risk and what steps you can take to prevent diabetes from developing.
”By 2020 there will be more than 9,000 people in Bath and North East Somerset living with Type 2 diabetes and the CCG welcomes events like this which are very important to help improve the health and wellbeing of the local population we serve.”
Annika Palmer, Diabetes UK Regional Manager in the south west, said: “In the UK, 11.9 million people are at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and if left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can cause devastating complications such as amputation, blindness, kidney failure and stroke.
“However, three out of five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking steps to reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which is not linked to lifestyle and cannot be prevented, the most important risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese, especially if you are large around your middle.
People can do something about this by maintaining a healthy weight through eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise.
Other risk factors for Type 2 diabetes that cannot be changed are ethnicity, and having a parent, child, brother or sister who has diabetes.
For anyone who can’t attend the Roadshow in Bath, you can find out your risk of Type 2 diabetes online at www.diabetes.org.uk/knowyourrisk.
