Diabetes UK specialists are travelling the country to offer free checks for members of the public to find out if they’re at risk of type 2 diabetes.

The medical charity is taking its ‘Big Blue Bus’ on a roadshow around the UK from spring until autumn this year to offer advice and information about the importance of early diagnosis of the condition and how to live a healthy lifestyle.

According to NHS England, there are around 3.8 million people in the UK diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but there are a growing number of people who are totally unaware of whether or not they have diabetes.

During a visit to Birmingham earlier this week, Diabetes UK estimated around 14,000 residents in Birmingham alone had type 2 diabetes but were undiagnosed. If left untreated, diabetes can be one of the leading causes of lower-limb loss. Diabetes UK states that of the 6,000 diabetes-amputations which take place in England each year, 80% are preventable.

Michael Burrell, a clinical negligence solicitor based in Thompsons Solicitors’ Birmingham office, said: “Having worked with those who have suffered as a result of poorly managed diabetes, anything that can be done to educate people on the issues surrounding diabetes, as well as helping people to understand measures they may be able to take to prevent them from suffering from diabetes is essential.

“The Diabetes UK roadshow is a positive step in making this happen as experts will be on hand to offer advice and support to those suffering with the condition and give people the opportunity to get tested for diabetes too.

“Diabetes can be effectively managed and needs to be because any complication can lead to very serious health risks. We would urge any diabetic patient with a concern to speak to their doctor as soon as possible as early diagnosis of diabetes-linked health complications can be the difference between saving a limb and a life.”