Warning thousands in dark over their diabetes

Over 25,000 people in the area have been diagnosed with diabetes but a further 5,000 do not know they have the condition.

The local health authority hopes that a new project aimed at South Asian men living in the Frizinghall area of Bradford will help to raise awareness of diabetes and encourage them to take better care of their health.

Shipley's Health Action Local Engagement (HALE) team is working with NHS Bradford and Airedale Community Health Service to educate the target group about type 2 diabetes and carry out health checks.

People from South Asian communities are up to five times more likely to get diabetes, develop it 10 years earlier than the general population, and are at higher risk of complications.

However, if diagnosed early, the risk of serious health problems in the future can be greatly reduced.

Rob Mooney, community health development team manager of NHS Bradford and Airedale, said: "We are really pleased to be working with HALE to encourage men in Frizinghall to keep healthy through exercise and healthy eating and raise their awareness of type 2 diabetes."

The project is due to be launched with an event at Frizinghall Community Centre, Midland Road, on Thursday next week.

Visitors can benefit from health checks, nutritional advice and information to raise awareness and encourage healthy choices. A free healthy lunch will be provided.

People who attend the launch will be able to join HALE's "123" exercise classes to help them get fit and support them to make positive choices about food and nutrition. The exercise sessions will be run by a personal trainer.

Sally Heaton, HALE community health development worker, said: "This event will encourage men to sign up to HALE's 123 exercise programme. The aim of this free 10-week programme is to encourage people to take part in physical activity."

The launch event is from midday until 2pm. Anyone wanting information about it can contact Mehzar Iqbal (01274 323811) or Sally Heaton (01274 271088).