A series of events will be held across the borough to mark World Diabetes Day and to raise awareness about the condition.

Ten per cent of adults in Waltham Forest, more than 24,000, are thought to be living with diabetes, of whom 8,000 are yet to be diagnosed.

The Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Yemi Osho, has teamed up with faith leaders and voluntary organisations to teach people how the spot symptoms, with a particular focus on women.

Ms Osho, a former nurse, selected Diabetes UK as her charity of choice after being elected earlier this year.

She said: “A large proportion of Type 2 diabetes cases could be delayed or prevented, yet it is a leading cause of death in women globally.

“If not managed properly, diabetes can have catastrophic consequences during pregnancy for baby and mother, affect a woman’s fertility and cause serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease.

“The good news is that improving your diet and increasing physical activity levels can help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

“Adequate planning can also greatly reduce the risks during pregnancy for people who might have diabetes - it’s important that women are aware of the facts.”

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 per cent of cases, many of which could be delayed or prevented through lifestyle changes.

An awareness event for women will be held on Tuesday November 14 from 11am to 2pm at YMCA in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

For a full list of events taking place in the borough click here.

To donate to the Mayor’s charity appeal to support diabetic services in Waltham Forest click here.