Tesco customers and staff in Bridgend Tesco Extra will be helping to find some of the 2.993 people in the county borough who have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, as part of a major new charity partnership with Diabetes UK Cymru that aims to create a healthier future for people affected by diabetes or at risk of developing it.
As part of the partnership, launched in the Cowbridge Road store on March 21, Tesco and Diabetes UK Cymru will be urging customers to be risk assessed for Type 2 diabetes.
According to a new analysis carried out by Diabetes UK and Tesco, about 2,993 people in Bridgend County Borough are thought to have undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. There are already at least 7,500 people living with the condition in the county – 5.64 per cent of the population.
Huw Cowell, manager of Tesco Extra Bridgend, said: “We’re really proud to be raising awareness and funds for Diabetes UK Cymru, especially as the number of people living with diabetes in Bridgend borough has risen so much over the last few years.
“Our colleagues and customers have always been really supportive when it comes to our charity partnerships, so hopefully we can make a big difference with Diabetes UK Cymru and help some of the people in Bridgend living with the condition.”
Dai Williams, Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “We are extremely grateful that Tesco customers and colleagues in Bridgend will be raising thousands of pounds for people affected by or at risk of diabetes.
“The work they will be doing over the months ahead will make a real difference, not only because they’ll be helping to identify some of the people in the borough with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, but also by helping to ensure people get the support and care they need to have the best possible chance of a long and healthy life.”
As well as promoting risk assessments, as part of the partnership with Diabetes UK Cymru, Tesco colleagues in the county will be raising thousands of pounds that will help fund pioneering research into a vaccine for Type 1 diabetes – the type not linked to lifestyle or weight – that offers real hope for thousands of children and adults across the globe for a future without this type of the condition.
The partnership will also provide information and advice to almost a million people with Type 2 diabetes and will also fund a series of Living with Diabetes days around the UK that will help people newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes understand how to best manage their condition.
People in Bridgend can find out their risk of Type 2 diabetes by visiting the Tesco pharmacy in store or by going to www.diabetes.org.uk/[tesco. There is also more information on how the partnership between Tesco and Diabetes UK will create a healthier future for people affected by diabetes or at risk of developing it.