Cricket stars team up to raise risk awareness of type 2 diabetes

England and Pakistan cricket stars have teamed up to raise awareness of type 2 diabetes.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club (CCC) and Diabetes UK are using the third Investec Test Match at Edgbasto, between England and Pakista, to promote the seriousness of the condition.
On Thursday 4 August (day two of the test match) volunteers and supporters of the diabetes charity will wear blue and be available to talk about symptoms and the risk involved with type 2 diabetes.
As part of a special Diabetes Day, the cricketers want to encourage people to take an online risk score tool which is used to find out if users could develop the condition at some point.
Pakistan’s Shan Masood said: “When my father received his diagnosis for type 2 diabetes it was the first step for him to take control of the condition, eat better and move more to help manage it well.
“Since then, I have also made changes to reduce my risk. If you are from a South Asian background then you are at greater risk of type 2 diabetes, and it can develop from a younger age, so do check out your risk today. Taking care of your health is important for everyone, not just cricketers!”
Know Your Risk is a simple questionnaire that was developed by the University of Leicester, the University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust and Diabetes UK.
It uses age, gender, weight, waist measurement and ethnicity to calculate an individual’s potential risk of having or developing type 2 diabetes.
England’s Chris Woakes said: “It only takes a few minutes to check out your risk of type 2 diabetes with Diabetes UK’s online test. If you haven’t already, get online and find out yours today – if you are at increased risk, then you can start to take the crucial steps needed to give yourself the best chance of a healthy life.”
Gareth Roberts, commercial director at Warwickshire CCC, said: “As a club we’re committed to getting more people involved in the game and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and with the Investec Test Match being Edgbaston’s marquee fixture of the year, it’s a fantastic opportunity to reach a wide audience.”
The charity will also be collecting money from spectators throughout the day and a £3 contribution from every ticket sold with a unique Diabetes UK promotion code will also be donated to the cause.