A diabetes road show which stopped by Kilburn has found 68 per cent of its visitors at risk of developing Type 2 of the disease, raising ‘grave concerns’ for the borough.
The Know Your Risk Roadshow on Kilburn High Road identified 28 people out of the 48 who came to their tent at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and referred them to their GP surgery for further tests and support.
Diabetes UK, who delivered the roadshow in partnership with Tesco, said the figures are a cause for grave concern with 25,151 people already being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in Brent, 8.55% of the population and amongst the highest percentages in London.
Risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, which can be changed by maintaining a healthy weight.
African-Caribbean, Black African, South Asian communities, the over 40’s and those with relatives with diabetes are also at risk.
Roz Rosenblatt, head of Diabetes UK for London said: “We are very concerned that so many people in Kilburn are at risk of Type 2 diabetes. This is a serious health condition that, left untreated or poorly managed, can lead to potential devastating complications such as blindness, amputation and stroke.
“Finding out their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes, means that people who attended the roadshow in Kilburn are now aware of lifestyle changes they can adopt, such as eating more healthily and taking more exercise to maintain a healthy weight, to delay or even prevent them from getting Type 2 diabetes. We want to help as many people as possible to find out their risk of this serious health condition so that they can take positive steps today that give them the best chance of living a long and healthy life.”
Caroline Silke, head of community for Tesco, said: “Our customers tell us they want us to make it a little bit easier for them to live more healthily, and it’s great that the money raised for Diabetes UK by Tesco colleagues has funded the Know Your Risk roadshow for the third year running.”
Anyone who was unable to attend the Roadshow in Kilburn can find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes at diabetes.org.uk/knowyourrisk For more information about diabetes, visitdiabetes.org.uk
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