The Gregorio Marañón hospital has installed a tent for the early detection of diabetes in adults, through free evidence that will be available to citizens throughout the day.

The Minister of Health, Enrique Ruiz Escudero, has participated in the activities that the Hospital Endocrinology and Nutrition Service has launched within the IV Diabetes Prevention Day.

The weight and stature of the participants is noted, and the body mass index is calculated, the blood pressure is measured, the early identification test of diabetes is performed and nutritional recommendations, exercise and weight control are givencustomized by the professionals of the center.

Diabetes affects 14 % of the Spanish population (diagnosed and not diagnosed), reaching 20 % in over 65 years.In the Community of Madrid it is estimated that 350,000 people are diabetic and a similar number would still be without diagnosing.

Hence the importance of identifying the high -risk population of developing diabetes and their early detection for an adequate approach to the disease.

Since the hospital began these activities open to the population, four years ago, it has detected that 25 % of the 1,500 tent visitors had a high risk of suffering the disease and 2 % were already diabetic and did not know.

40 % of the people who passed through the hospital in these days were excess weight and, from them, 25 % had abdominal obesity directly associated with the risk of suffering from the disease.

The community stands out in a note that the data reflects the current need for a greater intervention in primary prevention to reduce the risk of developing diabetes through the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits, including maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding as far as possible theAdded sugars, excess fats and alcohol.