AROUND 37,000 people in Dorset have diabetes, but according to a new report another 12,000 are estimated to have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.

Today Poole residents are invited to attend the Healthy Lifestyle Roadshow to find out if they are at risk of developing the disease.

The roadshow, run by Diabetes UK in partnership with Bupa, will be visiting the corner of North Street and High Street between 9am and 4.30pm to offer a quick and confidential assessment so that people can find out if they may have, or are at risk of developing, Type 2 diabetes.

Last year’s roadshow in Bournemouth found 140 people to be at moderate or high risk and were referred to their GP for further tests.

Diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness or amputation. However, if it is managed properly, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.

Diabetes UK and Bupa are working together to highlight the risk factors and encourage people to live healthier lives. Up to 80 per cent of Type 2 diabetes cases could be delayed or prevented and, for many people, the Healthy Lifestyle Roadshow is the first step to turning their health around.

Phaedra Perry, Diabetes UK’s regional manager in the South West, said: “We will have staff and volunteers in Poole to have a look at how likely you are to develop Type 2 diabetes now and in the next ten years, through a series of questions and measurements – but there’s nothing scary about our roadshow and no blood tests.

“It won’t take long, but could be an important way of finding the right path to a healthier life. There will be lots of information, encouragement and advice about Type 2 diabetes and reducing your own risk of getting the condition.”

Healthy Lifestyle Roadshows are funded by money raised from the Bupa Great South Run and other runs in the series, thanks to the charity partnership between Bupa and Diabetes UK.

Dr Paula Franklin, medical director at Bupa UK, said: “We strongly believe that prevention is key, so we hope this roadshow will help many people in Poole to make healthier lifestyle choices, especially if they are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”

Anyone who can’t attend the roadshow in Poole can find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes online at bupa.co.uk/ diabetesriskscore.

If after taking the test they are found to be at risk, they should visit their GP.