PEOPLE in Glasgow are urged to find out their risk of developing Type II diabetes - and stop it in its tracks.

There are currently 54,700 people in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area with this number on the rise.

Charity Diabetes UK is holding city roadshows where dieticians will help advice how to prevent the onset of diabetes.

Linda McGlynn, Patient Engagement Manager at Diabetes Scotland, said: “Across Scotland there are over one million people thought to be at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

"Left untreated or poorly managed diabetes can cause serious complications such as amputation, blindness, kidney failure and stroke.

“However, three out of five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through adopting a healthy lifestyle and taking steps to reduce the risk of developing the condition.

"At the Know Your Risk Roadshow people in Glasgow can have a private chat with our friendly volunteers and dietitians who can help them identify lifestyle changes they can make now to improve their future health, and delay or even prevent them from developing Type 2 diabetes.

“There’s nothing scary about our Roadshow and no blood tests. Finding out your risk doesn’t take long, but it can be the important first step which enables you to live a healthier life.”

When Catherine Henderson went for a routine health check for an ongoing medical condition the last thing she expected was to be told she had developed Type 2 Diabetes.

She said: “It was a real shock.

“I wasn’t showing any of the classic symptoms, like a dry mouth, running to the toilet, or feeling tired all the time.

"They took some bloods and were worried about some of those tests, so they called me back for a glucose intolerance test which involved drinking some Lucozade.

"They confirmed Type 2 Diabetes straight away. Just like that.”

Since her diagnosis, the 68-year-old, who lives on the south side, has continued to enjoy life but admits that it was difficult to come to terms with diagnosis in the first place.

She added: “When I was diagnosed I didn’t really know anything about diabetes, you’re given these tablets by the doctor and apart from that you’re pretty much left to get on with it.

"I was lucky to become involved in a local support group, which is supported by Diabetes Scotland, and that really helped me learn and come to terms with the diagnosis.

"It’s all very well going to the doctor for information, or looking things up on the Internet but it’s very important to have contact with others who really understand.”

She has made a number of lifestyle changes to help to better manage her blood sugars, which she says people can do very easily.

Catherine, who volunteers at the Diabetes Scotland roadshows, says she thinks its good idea for people to know if they are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and perhaps allow them to make changes before it is too late.

She said: “It is scary and we can see people being very nervous when they come to talk to us at the roadshow but my message is that if you can do anything to prevent the onset of diabetes then isn’t it better to know?

"The long term complications of Type 2 diabetes are too wide ranging to not know.”

Unlike Type 1 diabetes which is not linked to lifestyle and cannot be prevented, the most important risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese, especially if you are large around the waist.

The roadshow will be at Tesco Extra on the Gallowgate on Wednesday from 9am til 5pm and Thursday from 9am til 4.30pm.

For anyone who can’t attend the Roadshow in Glasgow you can find out your risk of Type 2 diabetes online at diabetes.org.uk/knowyourrisk