Rotherham roadshow reveals diabetes shocker

A HEALTH roadshow uncovered an alarming statistic that one in two people in Rotherham tested for diabetes were deemed to be at risk.

Charity Diabetes UK hosted the town centre roadshow which found that 52 per cent of those taking part were at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and referred to a doctor.

People who are overweight are most in danger of the condition which develops when the body cannot produce enough insulin.

If not diagnosed early, it can lead to complications like strokes, heart disease, kidney failure and blindness.

Diabetes UK staff offered free tests to 124 people, of which 64 were referred to their GP for further advice or tests.

Linda Wood, regional manager for Diabetes Northern and Yorkshire, said: “I am pleased that the Diabetes UK Healthy Lifestyle Roadshow was able to help people find out if they were at risk of the condition.

“Our research shows that more than 4,300 people in Rotherham alone who have Type 2 diabetes but have no idea they do, which is a frightening statistic.”

The Diabetes UK Healthy Lifestyle Roadshow aimed to identify some of the people in Rotherham who have the condition but are unaware they do.

The roadshow was supported by the Big Lottery Fund and run in partnership with Mind, Exercise, Nutrition...Do it! (MEND), an organisation that provides healthy lifestyle programmes to families.

Diabetes UK and MEND have been awarded £413,722 from the Big Lottery Fund to support the 70 roadshows in England during 2011 and 2012.

The aim is to raise awareness of factors for Type 2 diabetes which include being overweight, aged over 40 and having a close relative with diabetes.

Waist measurements at risk are 37 inches or more for men, except those of South Asian origin who are at risk at 35 inches or more and 31.5 inches or more for all women.

Symptoms include using the toilet more often and especially at night, increased thirst, extreme tiredness, unexplained weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush, slow healing of cuts and wounds and blurred vision.

Diabetes UK is also inviting people to take part in this year’s Great North Run.

Last year more than 800 people raised more than £200,000, which went towards supporting the 237,000 people in Yorkshire who have the condition.

Ann Rowe, regional fund-raising manager for Diabetes UK, said: “Running for Diabetes UK means you will be helping to fund vital research work right here in the region.

“As the number of people being diagnosed with diabetes continues to increase there is no better time to join Team Diabetes UK and really make a difference.”

People can still find out whether they’re at risk of developing diabetes by taking the free Diabetes UK Risk Score test online at www.diabetes.org.uk/roadshow/riskscore1.

To secure your place at this year’s Great North Run, contact Diabetes UK on 01325 488 606 or visit www.diabetes.org.uk/gnr. The deadline for places is July 8.