An awareness event is being held at Douglas Sea Terminal to mark World Diabetes Day, with members of the public invited to learn more about their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

The event, organised by Public Health and Diabetes Isle of Man, will take place tomorrow (Friday, November 13), from 10am to 2.30pm.

Almost 6,000 people aged over 17 are currently in the island’s diabetes register, including 5,547 with Type 2 diabetes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet representatives from Diabetes Isle of Man and a range of healthcare professionals, including the podiatry service, Manx Care Advice and Liaison Service (MCALS), Next Level Nutrition, Specialist Nicotine Support and the Diabetes Nursing Team.

Those attending will be able to complete a questionnaire to assess their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while advice and guidance will also be available for people already living with the condition.

The event is being held ahead of World Diabetes Day on Saturday (November 14).

People are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the 'four Ts' – toilet, thirsty, tired and thinner – which can be warning signs of diabetes.

These include needing to urinate more frequently, feeling unusually thirsty, experiencing increased tiredness and losing weight without trying.

Natasha Parry, from charity Diabetes Isle of Man, said raising awareness of the symptoms and risk factors is important, as there are steps people can take to reduce their chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

She said: ‘Diabetes is a condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.

‘It’s so important to raise awareness of the symptoms and risk factors as there are steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.’

She added that the event would also provide practical advice and guidance for people already living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

Further information is available at publichealth.gov.im/diabetesawareness