Bradford communities where diabetes is prevalent are being targeted with a week-long series of events.

Health chiefs hope the high-profile information sessions will help increase the early detection of the condition, the uptake of services for people with diabetes and improve sufferers’ ability to manage their own condition.

Type Two diabetes is high in a number of inner-city areas. More than 26,000 people in the Bradford district have been diagnosed with the condition, yet another 5,000 people are unaware that they have it.

Left untreated, life-threatening complications include blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and amputations. Early diagnosis is key to alleviating the potential for developing such serious health problems.

Those most at risk of diabetes have two or more of the following that applies to them: they are aged 40 or more, of South Asian or African-Caribbean descent, have a family history of diabetes, are overweight or have a large waistline, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or are pregnant.

Events to highlight the condition have been organised by NHS Bradford and Airedale’s community development team and start on Monday, in support of the national Diabetes Awareness Week, set up by charity, Diabetes UK.

Mehzar Iqbal, community health development worker, said: “The number of people developing diabetes is on the rise nationally, with people being diagnosed much earlier. Early recognition of the condition is an important way of protecting against serious complications later in life and is a key priority.

“These events are a great way to encourage people to reduce the risks of developing diabetes, through taking more exercise or learning more about the nutritional value of food, and will help people recognise and get tested for the condition. They also offer vital support for people who already have diabetes to help people manage the condition properly.”

Diabetes risk assessments and physical activities will held at Grange Interlink Community Centre, in Great Horton, on Monday. Information will be available at WomenZone, Barkerend, next Tuesday; Arc Community Centre, Little Horton, next Wednesday; Karmand Community Centre, Barkerend, next Thursday, and at Mayfield Centre, Marshfields next Friday. Each event will run from 10.30am until 3pm.

A diabetes supermarket tour is also being held at a halal supermarket.

To book a place, contact NHS Bradford and Airedale on (01274) 365925. For more information, call Mr Iqbal on (01274) 323811 or (01535) 338707.