Thousands of local people are at risk of becoming diabetic says Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as it urges people to get active and eat healthy as part of Diabetes Prevention Week (16-22 April).

The CCG estimates there are potentially 15,065 people in Shropshire who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. It can lead to health complications such as strokes, heart disease, limb amputation, and early death.

However, Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by managing weight and eating healthily as well as being more active.

To help people check if they are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and what changes they can make, the CCG is urging people to try out the Know Your Risk tool at www.diabetes.org.uk/risk.

This quick survey asks some simple questions and, using information on weight and height, calculates what the risk is of someone becoming a Type 2 diabetic. It then provides lots of free, practical advice including recipes and tips as well as identifying the symptoms of diabetes and where to get help.

Dr Julian Povey, clinical chair for Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It’s important to remember there is no cure for diabetes and it can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and premature death. Type 2 diabetes can be preventable if people take some simple steps before it’s too late. Everyone should take the Know your Risk test – it takes minutes, but it could add years to your life.”