July 26, 2011 5.09 pm This story is over 158 months old

Many Lincolnites at risk of Type 2 diabetes

At risk: More than half the people assessed for Type 2 diabetes at a charity event in Lincoln were found to be at risk of getting the disease.

More than half the people assessed for Type 2 diabetes at a charity event in Lincoln were found to be at risk of getting the disease.

Diabetes UK, a charity, held a roadshow in Lincoln city centre from July 21-22.

They risk assessed 183 people, referring 93 to their GPs for additional tests and information.

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly, known as insulin resistance.

Diabetes UK staff offered free diabetes risk assessment tests to people in the area to predict a person’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in the next ten years.

It’s estimated 9,700 people in Lincolnshire have Type 2 diabetes but are not aware.

If the condition is not diagnosed early enough or left untreated, it can lead to devastating complications like stroke, heart disease, kidney failure and blindness.

Peter Shorrick, Midlands Regional Manager for Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing us today.

“It’s frightening that there are more than 9,700 people in Lincolnshire alone that have Type 2 diabetes but have no idea they do.

“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.”

Source, Photo: Diabetes UK