A staggering 67 per cent of people who were tested for Type 2 diabetes in Brent showed they were at risk of developing the condition.
A special roadshow at Tesco Wembley Extra Store in Great Central Way, Neasden, tested 153 people resulting in 100 of them being referred to their doctor for further tests and support.
The Know Your Risk’ roadshow led by Diabetes UK took place last week as part the charity’s campaign to highlight the condition which is preventable through adopting a healthier lifestyle.
A dietician was on site to offer advice about how to achieve a healthy balanced diet and there was an activity area with footballs and hula hoops to encourage locals to get active.
Brent has the highest number of diabetic residents in London with more than 23,000 people living with the condition – 14,500 have been diagnosed with Type 2.
According to Diabetes UK, people are at risk of Type 2 diabetes if they are overweight, especially around their waistline.
Vulnerable groups include African-Caribbean, Black African, Chinese or South Asian residents, those aged over 40 and people who have a parent, child, brother or sister with diabetes.
Figures revealed by Public Health England (PHE) last month showed 12.9 per cent of residents aged 16 and over, which equates to 32,951 people living in the borough, have blood sugar levels that indicate they could develop the condition.
Symptoms include the need to wee often, especially at night, often feeling thirsty, losing weight without trying to, often feeling very tired, blurred eyesight, itchiness around the genitals, or often get infections like thrush or a cut that takes a long time to heal.
Roz Rosenblatt, Diabetes UK’s London manager, said: “We are very concerned that so many people in Brent are at risk of Type 2 diabetes, particularly as there are already more than 14,500 people diagnosed with the condition in the borough.
“But by finding out their risk of getting Type 2 diabetes, people have taken the first step towards doing something about it. For many people, eating more healthily and taking more exercise can delay or stop them from getting Type 2 diabetes.”
“Type 2 diabetes is very serious and, if untreated, can cause a host of complications including heart attacks or strokes. That’s why it’s so important to know your risk. There are changes you can make today to improve your health and even save your life.”
In February, Brent Council revealed its first 11 ‘Diabetes Champions’ who had taken part in a special programme so they can train others on how to improve their lifestyles and avoid developing the condition.
Cllr Krupesh Hirani, Brent Council’s cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing, said the programme aims to create a healthier borough.
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