11:21am Tuesday 9th October 2007
By Laura Pheasey
SOUTHALL residents are three times more likely to develop diabetes than west Ealing residents according to a local health trust.
To tackle the problem, Ealing Primary Care Trust (PCT) has set up a screening project with Southall pharmacies to find and help those at risk of developing the disease.
Diabetes, caused by an excess of sugar in the blood, can lead to long-term health problems due to damage done to blood vessels.
The free testing service is available at several local pharmacies and is particularly advised for any residents suffering from symptoms including extreme tiredness, thirst, unexplained weight loss and blurred vision.
It is estimated around 750,000 people suffer from the condition but have not been diagnosed.
Southall GP Dr Raj Chandok said: "The screening project will help to raise local awareness of undiagnosed diabetes and the diet and lifestyle factors contributing to diabetes."
The participating pharmacies are Alliance Pharmacy, in The Broadway, The Gill Chemists, in Norwood Road and King Street, HJ Dixon, in Lady Margaret Road, King's Pharmacy, in Greenford Road and Tesco's in store pharmacy, at the Hayes Road store.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.ealingtimes.co.uk