HEALTH CHECK PLEA FROM DIABETES UK
People in Surrey are being urged to attend NHS Health Checks after a study revealed low uptake in the area.
Figures show only 0.3% of residents aged 40 to 74 received a health check between March and December 2013.
Diabetes UK is now urging those who are eligible to see their doctor, if they have not done so already.
The NHS Health Check assesses people for their risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and dementia.
An estimated 5,000 people in Surrey are thought to have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes and Diabetes UK says a health check can be the first step towards managing the condition.
Jill Steaton, Diabetes UK regional manager for the South East, said: "NHS Health Checks have the potential to make a big difference to the health of people in the area because letting people know they are at high risk of Type 2 diabetes is a crucial first step towards making the lifestyle changes that can help prevent it.
"It is also likely to identify people with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes earlier, which means they can start getting the support and healthcare they need to have the best possible chance of a long and healthy life.
"While it's positive to see a slight improvement in the uptake of NHS Health Checks since the local authority took over management of the programme from the NHS, there hasn't been as much improvement as we would have hoped.
"If you are between 40 and 74 and you haven't been offered a health check, you are still entitled to receive one, so ask your doctor for a check."
