Local MP supports diabetes testing

12.25.35pm GMT Thu 19th Feb 2009

Tom Brake MP for Carshalton and Wallington has given his support to diabetes testing by taking the test himself.

At a special event in the Houses of Parliament, Tom took the quick and easy Type 2 diabetes test to help raise awareness of the need for public testing for the disease.

A new report was launched at the event from Silver Star, a charity that campaigns to improve diabetes awareness. The report, 'No more Sugar Babes' considers the current level of public understanding of the condition.

Staff from the charity were on hand at the event to provide the test and give expert advice on the condition.

The NHS spends £1 million an hour on diabetes related illnesses and it is estimated that more than half a million people in the UK may have diabetes without knowing it.

Tom Brake said 'The diabetes test is so quick and easy. It takes two minutes and can save lives. I'm delighted to have taken the test and hope my constituents will do the same.'