A diabetes roadshow helped more than 200 residents discover if they are at an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

Of the 220 who were assessed during two days in Queens Market, 138 (63 per cent) were found to be at moderate or high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. They were referred back to their GPs for testing and advice.

People with Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or the insulin they produce doesn’t work properly. 85 to 90 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 2. People develop it either due to family history, age and ethnic background puts them at increased risk or if they are overweight.

One of those referred was Betty Tse, 57, a support worker who was found to be at increased risk of diabetes because of her age and ethnicity.

She said: “I wanted to monitor myself because diabetes is in my family. I now know that I need to watch my diet and make sure I do exercise, although with my job I am running around all the time anyway.

“I enjoyed using the hula hoop as I haven’t used one since I was very young.

“After the roadshow I went on the Diabetes UK website and printed out my risk assessment so that I can show it to my GP.”

Kimberley Finch, Diabetes UK Roadshow and Events Support Officer, who was there on the day, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to test so many people and refer those at increased risk of Type 2 diabetes back to their GPs.

“Diabetes is a potentially very serious condition and it needs to be caught as early as possible to prevent complications.

“We are not surprised by the high referral rate because there are already 19,597 people diagnosed with diabetes in the former Newham PCT area. Its prevalence is high, particularly among those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.”

If you missed the roadshow, go to www.diabetes.org.uk/riskscore for an online assessment.