A week of health events has started in a bid to find the 5,000 people in Bradford who have a life-threatening disease – but are unaware of it.

It is Diabetes Awareness Week and NHS Bradford and Airedale’s community development team has organised a range of events, in areas of Bradford where prevalence of type 2 diabetes is high.

The aim is to increase early detection, uptake of services and improve self-management. There will be a mix of health checks, information giving and awareness raising around symptoms, risk factors and self-management of the condition, and healthy refreshments will be available.

Over 26,000 people in the Bradford district have been diagnosed with diabetes. Another 5,000 have diabetes but are completely unaware of it. If left untreated, the condition can lead to many life-threatening illnesses.

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

“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.”

People may be at risk of diabetes if two or more of the following apply to them: they are over 40 years old; are South Asian or Afro Caribbean; have a family history of diabetes; are overweight or have a large waist; have heart disease; have high blood pressure; are pregnant.

Drop-in events for the the week include: today 10.30am to 3pm, Women Zone, BD3, diabetes information stand; tomorrow 10.30am to 3pm, Arc Community Centre, BD5, diabetes and your blood pressure; Thursday 10.30am to 3pm, Karmand Community Centre, BD3, diabetes and lifestyle; Friday 10.30am to 3pm, Mayfield Centre, BD5.

The drop-in events will be rolled out to other areas at a later date. They are part of a community outreach programme.

For further details call Mehzar Iqbal on (01274) 323811 or 01535 338707.