There are over 4 million people living with diabetes within the UK.  There are also thought to be over 590,000 with undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes.  In order to help prevent the health risks from undiagnosed diabetes Tonbridge Lions Club will be offering free diabetes screening in the Tonbridge Angel Centre car park (High Street side) on Saturday 5th August.


Diabetes is a serious condition because it can affect many parts of the body.  Many people are not diagnosed with the condition until the complications of Diabetes have already started to develop – blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and circulation problems that could lead to amputations.  But spotting diabetes early enables treatment, either through diet and exercise or tablets and sometimes insulin, reducing the risk of the development of serious complications.


Qualified medical staff from S.E. Medical will carry out the screening, which involves a very simple blood test from the finger, which measures the blood sugar, with an immediate result. The Screening Centre will be open from 9am until 4pm.  The Lions expect to screen over 300 people.  Adults over the age of 40 are the most likely group to develop diabetes.  However, children can be tested provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and following a consultation with one of the medical staff.  There will be no charge for the test, as all costs will be met by Tonbridge Lions Club.


Further information can be obtained from Lions Health Group, Ian Kury on 01732 833919.