The City of Wolverhampton Council's Assistant Librarian for Health & Wellbeing Jennifer Lees will be hosting the free event, aimed at anyone who might have concerns over their own health or that of a loved one.
It will highlight some of the common symptoms of diabetes, and signpost people to help and support. The session takes place at the Bromley Street centre from 10am to 12pm, and all are welcome.
Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to use a simple online Diabetes UK tool to better understand their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, available at Diabetes UK. Many people are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes without realising it, and the tool asks 7 questions which will determine risk and what people should do next.
WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams holds dedicated activity sessions for adults with diabetes. To find out more information or to register your interest in attending, please email helpline@diabetes.org.uk or call 0345 123 2399.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Type 2 diabetes is serious and can lead to devastating complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness or amputation. But, if managed properly, people with Type 2 diabetes can live long, healthy lives.
“The majority of cases of Type 2 diabetes can be stopped or delayed by eating a healthy diet, taking regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight, and so this Diabetes Week we want people in Wolverhampton to come forward and find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes so we support them in making the right choices to improve their health.
"If you have any questions or concerns about diabetes, come along to the coffee morning at the Bob Jones Community Hub on Thursday.
“Please also make time to try out the diabetes risk tool so you can find out whether you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes – it could be the most important thing you do today because, once you know your risk, you can do something about it."
Common diabetes symptoms include needing to urinate a lot, especially at night, being particularly thirsty, feeling more tired than usual, losing weight without trying to, experiencing genital itching or thrush, or cuts and wounds that take longer to heal, blurred eyesight and increased hunger.
Having some diabetes symptoms doesn’t mean you definitely have the condition, but people should contact their GP, just to make sure.
Diabetes Week runs until Sunday (19 June) and is organised by Diabetes UK. For more information, please visit Diabetes UK.
