England and Pakistan cricket stars are calling on people to go online and find out their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Diabetes UK have partnered for the third Investec Test Match between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston, with a special Diabetes Day on Thursday 4 August to raise awareness of the condition.
There are four million people now living with diabetes in the UK, with 11.9 million at increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. While it is possible to live a long and healthy life with the condition, there is a risk of serious complications for those who do not manage the condition well. Around 24,000 people a year with diabetes die before their time – that’s almost equal to the Edgbaston’s 24,500 capacity.
England’s Moeen Ali, Steven Finn and Chris Woakes, and Pakistan’s Younis Khan and Shan Masood are urging people to use that charity’s Know Your Risk tool to find out their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, and to find ways to take control of the condition if they do have it.
Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk tool is a tool is a simple-to-use online version of a questionnaire developed by the charity, the University of Leicester and the University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust. To find out your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/riskscore.
Based on the key risk factors for Type 2 diabetes such as age, gender, weight, waist measurement and ethnicity, it gives a calculated analysis of an individual’s risk of having or developing this serious health condition in the future which, if left untreated or poorly managed, can lead to devastating complications such as amputation, blindness, heart attack and stroke.
Pakistan’s Shan Masood said: “When my father received his diagnosis for Type 2 diabetes it was the first step for him to take control of the condition, eat better and move more to help manage it well. Since then, I have also made changes to reduce my risk. If you are from a South Asian background then you are at greater risk of Type 2 diabetes, and it can develop from a younger age, so do check out your risk today. Taking care of your health is important for everyone, not just cricketers!”
England’s Chris Woakes said: “It only takes a few minutes to check out your risk of Type 2 diabetes with Diabetes UK’s online test. If you haven’t already, get online and find out yours today – if you are at increased risk, then you can start to take the crucial steps needed to give yourself the best chance of a healthy life.”
Peter Shorrick, Midlands Regional Head at Diabetes UK, said: “Diabetes is one the biggest and fastest growing health issues of our lifetime. More than four million people currently live with the condition and a further 11.9 million are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. However, the good news is that when an individual knows they are at increased risk they hold the power to turn this around by making relatively simple lifestyle changes. This is why it is so important to get online now to find out your risk of Type 2 diabetes and then take any necessary steps to reduce this risk, as not doing so can lead to devastating consequences.
“Diabetes UK is thrilled to partner with Warwickshire County Cricket Club to raise awareness of the condition. Cricket is a great form of exercise which, along with eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight, can help reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or manage your condition if you already have it.
“While Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented, there are several risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes and some can be acted on, such as being overweight or having a large waist size. People from certain ethnic backgrounds are also at higher risk, with South Asian people two to four times more likely to develop the condition.”
Gareth Roberts, Commercial Director at Warwickshire CCC, said: “As a Club we’re committed to getting more people involved in the game and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and with the Investec Test Match being Edgbaston’s marquee fixture of the year, it’s a fantastic opportunity to reach a wide audience.”
On day two of the test match, on Thursday 4 August, volunteers and supporters of Diabetes UK will sport the charity’s blue brand colour to help raise awareness of the condition.
They will be on hand to talk about the symptoms of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, the risks of developing Type 2 diabetes and discuss simple steps people can take to reduce or delay their chances of being diagnosed.
The charity will also be raising money throughout the day via bucket collections and there will be a £3 contribution from every ticket sold with a unique Diabetes UK promotion code.
Tickets for the third Investec Test Match between England and Pakistan are priced from £31 for adults and from £6 for Under 16s. Please visit www.edgbaston.com or call the Ticket Hotline on 0844 847 1902 to purchase.
To find out your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/riskscore.
