Members of the public with queries about type 2 diabetes are being urged to attend the National Diabetes Awareness Roadshow, which will be travelling nationwide from later this month.

The event has been organised by national charity, Diabetes Ireland, in partnership with pharmaceutical company, MSD. Awareness days will be held in 20 different locations nationwide and any member of the public with queries about diabetes, whether they have the condition or not, is encouraged to attend.

Currently, an estimated 191,000 people in Ireland have diabetes and by 2030, this figure is projected to rise to almost 279,000.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with poor lifestyle behaviours and diet, being overweight and being sedentary. It usually develops in adults over the age of 45, however in recent years, an increasing number of younger people, including children, have developed it.

Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be treated with diet and exercise, but more often, it requires medicine and/or insulin injections.

The awareness days will be staffed by Diabetes Ireland professionals, who will be offering free risk assessments for those attending. They will also be able to offer advice and information on the risk factors, symptoms, treatment and management of the condition.

"Chronic conditions such as diabetes can often seem daunting, which is why it is so important that people educate themselves on how to identify risk factors in their lifestyle and correct the modifiable ones, complete an assessment and proactively manage their health," commented Dr Anna Clarke of Diabetes Ireland.

For full details about the roadshow, see the events section on the Diabetes Ireland website here