Diabetes alert warning

Ballymena residents are being urged to spot the warning signs of Type 2 diabetes during national Diabetes Week which is currently underway.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Jun 2013, 11:05 BST
Ballykeel Pharmacy staff members Arlene Speers, Rosemary Wallace and Heather Larkin at last week's launch of Diabetes Week. INBT 24-101JCBallykeel Pharmacy staff members Arlene Speers, Rosemary Wallace and Heather Larkin at last week's launch of Diabetes Week. INBT 24-101JC
Ballykeel Pharmacy staff members Arlene Speers, Rosemary Wallace and Heather Larkin at last week's launch of Diabetes Week. INBT 24-101JC

Local pharmacist Lindsay Gracey of Ballykeel Pharmacy says he wants to challenge common misconceptions of the disease and stressed anyone could be at risk if they didn’t look out for the warning signs.

He said: “Many believe Type 2 diabetes is a condition that only affects older people meaning many of the other at risk groups can often be forgotten. These include those who are black or Asian and have a family history of diabetes, are overweight or have high blood pressure.”

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He stressed the importance of getting checked sooner rather than later as Type 2 diabetes can develop progressively over a number of years, with classic symptoms such as extreme tiredness, increased thirst and needing the toilet often not being obvious as warnings.

The pharmacy will be offering confidential screening tests and advice as part of its role during national Diabetes Week.

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