Specialist nurses will be out and about throughout the borough next week to help raise awareness about diabetes.

The sessions coincide with Diabetes Awareness Week, June 8-14, an annual campaign run by the charity Diabetes UK to support people to understand more about the condition and to undergo tests if they are worried.

The diabetes team in Newham, which is based at Shrewsbury Road Health Centre in East Ham, supports diabetics to manage their condition. They hold clinics across the borough supporting patients to understand more about diabetes and think about how they can take proactive steps to manage their condition.

As part of Diabetes Awareness Week the team will be out and about in Newham offering advice and checks to members of the public.

On Tuesday June 10 they will be at Queens Market, Green Street between 11.30am and 2.00pm. They will be screening people through blood sugar testing and blood pressure testing. The team will also be offering advice and signposting people to the relevant service if they need more support.

On Wednesday June 11 the team will be supporting the East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Wellbeing Games at the Copperbox, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This event is open to all Trust patients and they will be able to have a free blood sugar test and get advice and tips.

Throughout the weekg Mental Health Diabetes Specialist Nurses will be visiting all our mental health inpatient sites to support patients.

Dr Zuhair Zarifa, a local GP and the NHS Newham CCG Chair who refers patients to the Trust’s diabetes service, said: “The best way to reduce the risk of developing diabetes is to eat a balanced diet, be active and keep to a healthy weight. Making small changes over time can make a big difference to reducing the risks.

“For people already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes it is vital for them to take the lead in managing their condition. Eating a balanced diet by choosing foods high in fibre, reducing amounts of sugary and fatty foods and exercising in a way their doctor has approved, are all important ways to help achieve good control of their diabetes.”

He said anyone concerned that they may have diabetes should contact their GP.