Health chiefs launch diabetes campaign

More than 26,000 people in the district have been diagnosed with the condition but another 5,000 are completely unaware they have the disease.

NHS Bradford and Airedale's community development team is holding community events in areas of Bradford where prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is high, to increase early detection, uptake of services and improve self-management – from June 14 to 18 in support of national Diabetes Awareness week.

Community health development worker Mehzar Iqbal said: "The number of people developing diabetes is on the rise nationally, with people also being diagnosed much earlier. Early recognition of the condition is an important way of protecting against serious complications later in life and is therefore a key priority.

"These events are a great way to encourage people to reduce the risks of developing diabetes, through taking more exercise or learning more about the nutritional value of food, and will help people recognise and get tested for the condition. They also offer vital support for people who already have diabetes to help people manage the condition properly."

If left untreated the condition can lead to life-threatening complications including blindness, kidney failure and heart disease.