Local roadshow finds 276 people at risk - including local Councillor

A charity roadshow that visited four locations in Ealing found that 276 people were at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Of the 456 people seen at the roadshows from Tuesday 22 to Friday 30 May, 61 per cent of people were referred to their doctors for further tests and support because of their likelihood of developing the condition. Some may find they already have Type 2 diabetes, as it can often go unnoticed for years.

Getting diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes early, or being recognised as at high or moderate risk, means that people have the opportunity to make healthy lifestyle choices which can help them avoid serious health problems.

Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition but people who get diagnosed can go on to manage it well through healthy eating, physical activity and in some cases medication, and live long and healthy lives. If people are recognised as being at high or moderate risk they may be able to prevent or delay the development of the condition through lifestyle choices and maintaining a healthy weight.

Rakesh Tiwari, 25, of Southall, a telecoms consultant, was found to be at moderate risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years. He was referred to his GP and given advice on healthy eating and exercise.

Rakesh said: “It was really useful to have the bus outside the supermarket because it gave me the opportunity to have a convenient risk assessment. I’ve also learned a lot about the changes I need to make in order to reduce my risk. I would recommend everyone get themselves checked.”

Councillor Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for public health and adult services, was also told he was at moderate risk of Type 2 diabetes at the roadshow

. He said: “Attending the diabetes roadshow and finding out about my moderate risk of Type 2 diabetes, in part due to my south Asian origin, means I will certainly be looking to reduce my risk through healthy eating and more exercise.''

Dr Raj Chandok, Vice Chair of Ealing Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

''‘Currently there are 60,000 people in Ealing at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes; that is one in seven of Ealing residents. Our message to people in Ealing is that Type 2 diabetes can be avoidable – by eating healthily, taking regular exercise, drinking alcohol only in moderation and giving up smoking will all help people reduce their risk. If you missed the roadshows you can still go online to check your risk or visit your GP for a check-up.''

Anyone who couldn’t attend the roadshow in Ealing can find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes online at www.diabetes.org.uk/risk. If after taking the test they are found to be at moderate or high risk of developing the condition they should visit their GP.

For more information about diabetes visit: www.diabetes.org.uk.

19th June 2014