Sir,

I urge everyone to check their risk of Type 2 diabetes this World Health Day (April 7) by getting online and using Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk tool.

This year’s theme is ‘Beat Diabetes’ and I am wondering if your readers are aware that although men are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes they are less likely than women to check their risk?

I wish I had been able to go online and check mine. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes six years ago and realise what a shock this can be.

Recent findings from Diabetes UK revealed men to be 38 per cent less likely to check their risk of Type 2 than women, so while I recommend everyone does this, I am writing especially to urge all men in the area to go online and find out their risk.

Diabetes UK estimates there are around 59,000 people in Wales who have Type 2 diabetes but don’t know it. But, diagnosis can make all the difference as it means people can start learning about their condition and how to manage it well, giving them the best chance to live a long healthy life and avoid complications. The most important risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes is being overweight or obese. Knowledge is power and by knowing your risk you can do something to reduce it through eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise. Other risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are ethnicity and family history – if you have a parent, child, brother or sister who has diabetes.

Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk online tool has now been used over one million times and it has never been simpler to check your risk - the tool takes you through seven quick questions and takes less than three minutes to complete.

If you do find out you are at moderate or high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by using the tool, it’s important you speak to your GP or nurse. By finding out your risk early, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes and avoid complications such as amputation, blindness and kidney damage in the future.

You can find out your risk of Type 2 diabetes now by visiting the Know Your Risk online tool – it’s the first step to taking action on Type 2 diabetes.

Eirian Jones

Pencader, Carmarthenshire

Member of Diabetes UK local groups in Carmarthen and Cardigan