Road show reveals risk of diabetes

In the last five years, the number of people with type 2 diabetes has doubled, yet many do not even realise they might be at risk. Type 2 diabetes tends to affect people as they get older and is linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity.

BBC Inside Out presenter, Jo Good, teamed up with Diabetes UK on a road show in Ilford. The team tested the blood sugar levels of volunteers to find out if they might be in danger of developing the disease.

In type 2 diabetes not enough insulin is produced or the insulin that is made by the body doesn't work properly. Insulin is needed by the body to absorb glucose - sugar in food.

Jo was shocked to find that one in seven of those tested on the day had high blood sugar levels. This means that they could potentially be at risk of developing diabetes in the future.

If left untreated, complications of diabetes include blindness, cardiovascular disease and even amputation.

BBC Inside Out London - Monday 16 November, 2009 and on BBC iPlayer.