Diabetes is a hidden killer, a disease that can lead to a host of life-threatening illnesses if unchecked.

So the news that around 5,000 of us in Bradford might have the condition and be unaware of it is a frightening statistic.

Lack of exercise, a poor diet, high blood pressure and being overweight can all be contributory factors to developing type-2 diabetes.

Although it is a daunting illness, it can be successfully treated once diagnosis is made – more than 26,000 people in the district have already been diagnosed, and the earlier it is identified the more chance that the disease can be easily managed and the nastier complications prevented.

Many of us have a poor track record with seeking medical advice, especially if we don’t actually feel unwell. Sometimes, we would just rather not know.

But with NHS Bradford and Airedale operating a range of events over the next few days to mark Diabetes Awareness Week, there has never been a better opportunity to bite the bullet and get tested, especially if you are among the at-risk groups who are prone to developing the illness.

The events are free and the testing doesn’t take long. Face it, what have you got to lose?