THE risks of getting diabetes will be presented at a roadshow visiting Basingstoke next week.

Diabetes UK has partnered with Tesco to deliver Know Your Risk roadshow that aims to reach 27,000 people over two years, to offer potentially life-changing information on Type 2 diabetes.

Basingstoke is one of the first stops and the roadshow will visit Market Square, at the Top of The Town, on July 20 and 21.

Jill Steaton, Diabetes UK regional manager in the south east region said: "Four out of five cases of Type 2 diabetes can be stopped or delayed by eating a healthy diet, taking regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. That's why we want people in Basingstoke to come aboard and find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes so we can support them in making the right choices to improve their health.

"Once you know your risk, you can do something about it. For many people, the Know Your Risk roadshow is the first step to turning their health around and delaying or preventing this serious condition."

Volunteers at the roadshow will ask a series of questions and take measurements to inform participants of their likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes over the next 10 years.

You are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, especially if you are large around your middle, you are African-Caribbean, Black African, Chinese or South Asian, aged over 40 (or over 25 if you are South Asian) or you have a parent, child, brother or sister with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is serious and can lead to devastating complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness or amputation.

But, if managed properly, those with Type 2 diabetes can live long, healthy lives.

In the UK, there are 11.5 million people at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and an estimated 2.9 million people already diagnosed with the condition. In North Hampshire 10,000 people are living with diabetes.

For more information onType 2 diabetes visit diabetes.org.uk.