Footy fans advised to measure up

Footy fans from ‘Warsaw’ are being informed of the penalties of being ‘over-waist’ and advised to saddle up and lose weight this Boxing Day. Staff from Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust (Walsall tPCT) will be dishing out tape measures and warning supports they need to take swift action and become as lively as the game if they’re waist is wider than the tape. The move comes in a bid to highlight the risks being over-waist has on the chances of developing Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

Paul Jennings, Chief Executive of Walsall tPCT, said: "We are really pleased that we can offer supporters of Walsall Football Club the opportunity to become more aware of the risks surrounding Diabetes. It is a serious condition which left untreated can lead to life threatening complications. We hope fans will take the information home read, it and act upon it if they think they are at risk.”

Roy Whalley, Chief Executive of Walsall Football Club, said: “Diabetes is a major health problem that affects people - both nationally and in the Walsall area. The frustrating thing is that it can be avoided by a better diet, regular exercise, not smoking and drinking in moderation. The partnership we have with Walsall tPCT allows us to pass messages of this kind on to our supporters who, hopefully, will heed the advice on offer.”

Over 2 million people in the UK have Diabetes and another 750,000 have it but are completely unaware of it. Walsall tPCT is hoping to help Walsall residents spot the early signs of Diabetes which will drastically reduce the risk of serious health problems. If you are White and over 40 years old or you’re Black, Asian or from a minority ethnic group and over 25 years old you are at risk of Type 2 Diabetes. Factors such as age, family history, ethnicity, weight and waist size can have an impact on the chance of having Diabetes. Symptoms such as increased thirsts, tiredness, weight loss and blurred vision are common in people who may have developed Diabetes.

For more information contact your GP, call the Diabetes UK Careline on 0845 120 2960 or visit www.diabetes.org.uk/MeasureUp.