Fears people across Lincolnshire and Newark have diabetes without knowing it

There are fears significant numbers of people across Lincolnshire and Newark are living with diabetes and don't know it.

Estimates suggest that accounts for up to a million people in the UK.

The risk of getting it can be greatly increased if you have an unhealthy lifestyle.

However often it can be reversed with an better diet and by taking more exercise.

Symptoms can include feeling very thirsty and also fatigue.

This week sessions are being held in Grimsby and Cleethorpes to assess people's risk of getting diabetes and giving out advice.

The first one has already taken place but the other two are at Bradley Football Development Centre on Thursday, June 15 from 9:30am to 12:30pmand Cleethorpes Leisure Centre on Friday, June 16 from 10am to 12 noon.

Sonny Johnson from Waltham near Grimsby has diabetes and spoke to us about the impact.

He told us: " When you're first diagnosed it's scary because it just doesn't affect your blood sugar levels, it affects your health, your driving."

"It's got multiple implications as well as complications which is scary and nobody wants to go down that road - everybody wants to stay fit and healthy."

"It is one of the most dangerous diseases you can get because you can lose your eyesight, you can lose limbs, you can have multiple organ failure, it's a pandora's box if you like."

"The minute you get it, you're letting out everything."

We also talked to Ian Shorley Harlow who's from the Lincs Inspire group which is organising the events this week.

He said: " Diabetes, especially if it's type two can be reversed."

"The benefits there are applicable to an individual in their daily lives."

"But also the resources within the community environment - like the stress and strain on doctor's surgeries benefit."

"You are talking about people losing eyesight or even losing limbs."

"That is maybe being dramatic but that is the cold harsh reality of diabetes I'm afraid."

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