Staff from the Royal Free London are at Brent Cross shopping centre today, offering diabetes tests and advice on how to manage the condition.

To mark World Diabetes Day staff, led by Dr Sarah Ali, are also offering eye screening and advice on cholesterol and blood pressure. 

Dr Ai said: "To mark world diabetes day we are trying to raise awareness of the condition. Diabetes is on the increase and obesity is on the increase so it is important that people are tested. The earlier you are diagnosed and the sooner you get treatment, the better your outcome is likely to be."

The Royal Free London is now running a community service for diabetes patients in Camden and in Barnet.

Camden diabetes integrated practice unit is a unique and award winning partnership between Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, University College London Hospitals and the Royal Free London, which is focused on improving outcomes for those living with diabetes living in Camden. In Barnet the service is being run by the Royal Free London with Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

Diabetes consultant Miranda Rosenthal, who is clinical lead for diabetes at the Royal Free London, said: “I would encourage people with diabetes to have their cholesterol and blood pressure checked. Around 50% of those living in Camden with diabetes have high cholesterol. Getting it within healthy range could reduce the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.”

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Image: Royal Free London staff at Brent Cross

Notes to editors

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.