Both Slough and Maidenhead will be hosting events next month to support the national ‘Diabetes Prevention Week’.

Healthcare professionals from across East Berkshire will be joining forces to host the series of roadshows to help raise awareness of, and help prevent, Type 2 Diabetes.

Nationally led by NHS England, Diabetes UK and Public Health, the campaign aims to make people aware of the causes, complications and risks of Type 2 Diabetes and how in many cases it can be preventable.

Dr Nithya Nanda, Diabetes Clinical lead for the CCG, said: “Diabetes is an emerging epidemic and is one of the biggest healthcare challenges of our time.

“Around nine out of 10 people with diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes which causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the body to become too high. Diabetes and its complications cost over £6 billion every year to treat and one in six patients in hospital now has diabetes.”

Jill Steaton, Regional Head in the South East for Diabetes UK, said: “This series of roadshows will really help local people make the right choices and reduce their risk of developing diabetes.

“Making small changes to your lifestyle now can make a big impact on your future health. You can reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and the risk of serious complications that can come with it. That's why we're working with the NHS on this important initiative to help support local people to reduce their risk.”

The first roadshow takes place on Tuesday 2 April inside Unit 59/61 (the old Next store), situated within the Nicholson’s shopping centre in Maidenhead. The second roadshow will take place the following day – 3 April - at The Curve, Slough.