HOW do you measure up?That is the question these charity members will be asking people at a diabetes awareness event next weekend.Members of the Ipswich and East Suffolk branch of Diabetes UK will be getting out their tape measures, and giving away free ones, as part of a national campaign designed to get people to think about their health.

HOW do you measure up?

That is the question these charity members will be asking people at a diabetes awareness event next weekend.

Members of the Ipswich and East Suffolk branch of Diabetes UK will be getting out their tape measures, and giving away free ones, as part of a national campaign designed to get people to think about their health.

Adrian Bradbeer, a member of the charity, will be among those at the Diabetes Awareness Day at Ipswich Hospital on October 28.

He said: “Diabetes is on the increase all the time and the numbers of people being diagnosed keep on rising.

“People with diabetes are usually not diagnosed for an average of nine to 12 years after developing the condition so it is vital that we do all we can to raise awareness.”

The tape measures are a quick and simple way for people to find out if they are at risk of the disease.

Generally, women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 31.5ins (80cm) and men are at risk if theirs is greater than 37ins (94cm).

Mr Bradbeer said: “The tape measures are an easy way of finding out if you are at risk and anyone who is concerned should speak to their GP.

“The information day is open to anyone who wants to come along and find out more about the centre's work and about the charity.

“There will be a chance for people to have an informal chat with other diabetes patients and there should also be some clinicians on hand to answer questions.”

The Diabetes Awareness Day will take place at Ipswich Hospital's diabetes centre from 11am to 4pm.