A NUMBER of roadshows will be taking place across Berkshire to raise awareness of Type 2 Diabetes, as part of a nationwide campaign.

Residents will get the opportunity to learn about the risks of Type 2 Diabetes and how to prevent it.

The roadshow will be taking place on April 6 in Princess Square, Bracknell as part of a NHS England and Public Healths' Diabetes Prevention Week'.

Dr Nithya Nanda, diabetes clinical lead for the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “I am hoping that people will pop in to one of our events to learn more about their health and risk of developing diabetes Type 2, so that together we can help reduce people’s risk of going onto develop the condition.”

"Diabetes is an emerging epidemic and is one of the biggest healthcare challenges of our time.

“Around nine out of 10 people with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes which causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the body to become too high.

"It can cause symptoms like excessive thirst, needing to urinate frequently and tiredness. It can cause serious long-term health conditions and is the leading cause of sight loss and lower limb amputation, and can contribute to kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.

Over 1,600 residents living in East Berkshire have been identified and referred onto the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP), with over 500 people actively engaged with it.

Concerned shoppers will get the chance to speak to a healthcare professional to see if they run the risk of developing the disease.

The roadshow will also show passers by the sighs of Diabetes and how to prevent it through lifestyle and nutritional changes.

Liz Fowler, regional manager for NDPP in Berkshire, said: “The Diabetes Prevention Programme is delivered by our specially trained health and wellbeing coaches; participants learn how to reduce their risk of developing diabetes by incorporating healthier eating, physical activity, problem-solving, stress-reduction and coping skills into their daily lives.

"It empowers individuals to take charge of their health and wellbeing and maintain these positive changes for life.”

Jill Steaton, regional head in the South East for Diabetes UK, said: “This series of roadshows will really help local people make the right choices and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.

"Making small changes to your lifestyle now can make a big impact on your future health.

"You can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and the risk of serious complications that can come with it.

"That's why we're working with the NHS on this important initiative to help support local people to reduce their risk.”