YEOVIL NEWS: Diabetes UK roadshow in town

HEALTH experts will be delivering a roadshow in Yeovil today (Wednesday, March 25, 2015) to let people know the risks of getting Type 2 Diabetes and how to reduce it.

Diabetes UK has partnered up with Somerset County Council to provide the roadshow in the bandstand area of Middle Street from 9am.

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK regional manager in the South West said: “Four out of five of us can make healthy lifestyle changes that will delay or stop us getting Type 2 diabetes.

“That’s why we want people in Somerset to come aboard and find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes. Because once you know your risk, you can do something about it.

“For many people, the Know Your Risk roadshow is the first step to turning their health around and delaying or preventing this serious condition. We estimate there are 6,500 people with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes living in Somerset.

“There’s nothing scary about our roadshow and no blood tests. Our friendly volunteers and qualified dieticians will take people through a series of questions and measurements to tell you how likely you are to develop Type 2 diabetes over the next ten years. Finding out your risk doesn’t take long, but could be an important first step on the path to a healthier life.”

PHOTO – TOP: Kelly Dean, Cllr Christine Lawrence, Paula Wilson, Cllr John Osman and Susi Calder.

Type 2 Diabetes is serious and can lead to devastating complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness or amputation.

But, if managed properly, people with Type 2 diabetes can live long, healthy lives.

In the UK, there are 11.5 million people at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and an estimated 2.9 million people already diagnosed with the condition. In Somerset, over 28,000 people are living with diabetes.

For more information about diabetes, visit www.diabetes.org.uk and follow news about the roadshow with the hashtag #dukroadshow on Twitter.

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