A host of special events take place across the Bradford district next week to encourage more people to be aware of diabetes and the risks related to the condition.

NHS Airedale, Bradford and Leeds’ community engagement team is organising a range of community events including a mix of health checks and awareness raising around symptoms, risk factors and self-management of the condition.

The events will be in areas of Bradford where prevalence of type 2 diabetes is high, to increase early detection, uptake of services and improve self-management.

Diabetes UK estimates that 32,000 people in the Bradford district have diabetes and that, of these, 7,400 have diabetes but are completely unaware of it.

If left untreated, the condition can lead to life-threatening complications including blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease. The earlier people are diagnosed the more likely it is that these complications can be prevented.

People may be at risk of diabetes if two or more of the following apply to them: they are over 40; are South Asian or African Caribbean; have a family history of diabetes; are overweight or have a large waist measurement; have heart disease; have high blood pressure; or are pregnant.

Mehzar Iqbal, community engagement worker for NHS Airedale Bradford, and Leeds, said: “Diabetes can’t be cured but it can be controlled. However, it can only be controlled if it has been detected.

“Early recognition of the condition is an important way of protecting against serious complications later in life. These events are a great way to encourage people to reduce the risk of developing diabetes through taking more exercise and learning more about the nutritional value of food.”

Free drop-in events running during the week include: Tuesday, June 12, 10.30am to 2pm: Princeville Children’s Centre, Willowfield Street, Bradford, BD7 2AH. Call (01274) 573298.

Wednesday, June 13, 10.30am to 1pm: Millan Centre (women only), Victor Street Bradford, BD9 4RA. Call (01274) 480691.

Thursday, June 14, 10.30am to 3pm: Sangat Community centre, Marlborough Street, Keighley. BD21 3HU. Call (01535) 610263.

For more information about the events contact Mr Iqbal on (01274) 236119 or 07904 332529.

e-mail: claire.lomax@telegraphandargus.co.uk