BBC Radio Wales star Chris Needs is launching a Diabetes UK roadshow in Cardiff, which lets people know if they are at risk of developing the condition.

Chris Needs MBE will be launching the Diabetes UK Measure Up Roadshow at 2pm on July 8 with the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Brian Griffiths.

The roadshow will be at St John’s Square in the city centre between 9am and 5pm on July 8 and 9.

It encourages people to measure their waistlines to see if they are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Having a larger waist means you are up to 12 times more likely to get the condition.

At risk waist measurements are 37 inches or more for men, or 35 for South Asian people, and 31.5 inches or more for women.

Chris, who is the celebrity ambassador for Diabetes UK Cymru, has Type 2 diabetes himself and fully supports the roadshow.

He said: “By coming to the Measure Up Roadshow you will know where you stand.

“Diabetes is a silent thing and it can just sit there. You can stop that today by going to the Measure Up Roadshow.

“Don’t ignore it. If you do have diabetes, it’s doing more harm without you knowing.”

During the roadshow, Diabetes UK staff will be on hand to give information and advice about other Type 2 diabetes risk factors, including being aged over 40, being of black or South Asian origin and having a family history of the condition.

There are nearly 12,500 people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in Cardiff and another 2,500 people may have the condition but not know it.

If untreated, diabetes can lead to fatal complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

Type 2 diabetes can be undetected for 10 years or more, meaning half of people already have complications by the time they are diagnosed.

Dai Williams, the Diabetes UK Cymru National Director, said: “Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing us today.

“It’s frightening that there are more than 2,500 people in Cardiff alone who may have Type 2 diabetes but have no idea they do.

“I would urge everyone who can to visit the Measure Up Roadshow. It could be the best thing you ever did for your health.”

The roadshow will visit nine locations across Wales between June and December and is looking for volunteers to help give out information.

To volunteer call 029 2066 8276 or email wales@diabetes.org.uk .

Visit www.diabetes.org.uk/MeasureUp to find out if you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes UK would like to thank the HBOS Foundation for its support of the Measure Up Roadshow.