Reduce the risk of diabetes

1.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Sep 2009

As many as 30,000 people in Wales may have diabetes without knowing according to Diabetes UK. To try to reduce this number, Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat wants people who may be at risk to visit their GP and ask for a diabetes test.

Eleanor said " Earlier this week, I met with Diabetes UK and was astonished to learn there have been huge increases in the number of Type 2 diabetes sufferers in Wales . I was shocked to learn so many people may be walking around unaware that they have diabetes and I would urge anyone who falls in to any of the risk groups to phone their doctor and make an appointment for a diabetes test today."

Men are at risk if their waist is 37 inches or more.

Women are at risk if their waist is 31.5 inches or more.

Other risk factors include being aged over 40, being overweight, having had a heart attack or a stroke and having a close relative who has Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes UK: http://www.diabetes.org.uk