Unaware shoppers discovered they may have been diabetic all along after a health awareness campaign was launched at a shopping centre.

Barnet Council has helped to arrange the Diabetes Awareness Week event at Brent Cross Shopping Centre with a number of health care professionals.

Chair of the Health and Wellbeing board, Councillor Caroline Stock, helped arrange the event.

Cllr Caroline Stock, said: “Diabetes Week is an important time of year for Barnet Council.

“It presents a perfect opportunity for us to highlight the risks and symptoms of diabetes, as well as encouraging people to get tested.

“The implications of being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are huge.”

At Brent Cross 23 shoppers were tested and identified as having type 2 diabetes a condition they were completely unaware they had.

A further 20 people were also identified as dangerously at risk of developing the disease.

Ms Stock added: “During our day at Brent Cross Shopping Centre, I was shocked that so many people tested positive, without being aware of having the disease.

“It is really important that people who are at risk make those all-important life changes.

“Recent research has shown that Type 2 diabetes can be reversed by changing your diet and taking regular exercise.”

Residents can see if they are at risk by visiting the Know Your Risk section of the council website. Residents who are within the ‘at risk’ category can also request a screening blood test through their local GP.