DIABETES UK is marking the start of the Chinese Year of the Horse by urging ethnic Chinese people to ensure they are aware of their risk of Type 2 diabetes.

The Chinese community is at increased risk of contracting the condition and at a much earlier age – 25 compared with 40 years old for people of white ethnicity.

Chinese men run a higher risk if they have a waist size of 35 inches, compared with 37 inches in the white European, black African and Caribbean population.

The Year of the Horse represents self-improvement and becoming more energetic.

Diabetes UK is encouraging the Chinese community to adopt some of these positive changes by eating a healthy, balanced diet and doing more physical activity.

Jenne Patel, equality and diversity manager for Diabetes UK, said: “If you’re from a Chinese background and over the age of 25 it is a good idea to have your risk checked for Type 2 diabetes. Other factors include being overweight, having a waist of over 31.5 inches for a woman or 35 inches for a man, or having a close relative who has diabetes.

“Type 2 diabetes can go undiagnosed for up to 10 years and by this time the signs of complications have already developed. Making relatively minor changes such as taking the stairs instead of the lift or getting off the bus one stop early can make a real difference."

For more, visit www.diabetes.org.uk/riskscore.