Conservative MP Nick de Bois arranged for the charity Silver Star to bring its Mobile Diabetes Unit to Enfield last Thursday. The unit gave residents the opportunity to have a free Diabetes test, with results given in less than 5 minutes.
Mr de Bois, the MP for Enfield North, wrote to Turkish residents in the area to inform them about the Action Day. A local Councillor, Dogan Delman, provided a Turkish translation for the letter as well as being present throughout the day to assist Turkish-speaking residents.
Mr de Bois said, "Diabetes is a serious concern as it not only affects people's quality of life but also accounts for 10% of the NHS's entire budget. We're spending £11.9 billion a year on Diabetes, but this could even double in the next 10 years if we don't raise awareness of the condition and let people know how to avoid getting it".
Diabetes is a long-term condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. In the UK, diabetes affects approximately 2.3 million people, and it's thought there are at least half a million more people who have the condition but are not aware of it.
While around 12% of Londoners have Diabetes, the figure is 17% among Turkish people in the capital.
Mr de Bois added, "Diabetes disproportionately affects Turkish people in the UK which is why I was keen to ensure that the Diabetes Action Day reached all residents including people from the Turkish-speaking community".
The Mobile Diabetes Unit provided tests for 50 people in 4 hours, with a number of test results showing higher than average blood sugar levels. Following the tests, an expert was on hand to provide advice and information on what steps to take next.
Information on Diabetes can be found at www.diabetes.org.uk