Tonbridge Lions Annual Diabetic Day

The Tonbridge Lions Annual Diabetic Day took place in the Angel Car Park, Tonbridge last Saturday. Four qualified Medix Nurses undertook the examinations led by Senior Nurse Mrs Barbara Plumb.  A healthy blood sugar level that is acceptable is in the range 4 - 7.

254 people presented themselves for examination and seven were referred to their General Practitioner for further examination and advice.

His Worship the Mayor, Cllr Howard Rogers along with the Mayoress, Mrs Jane Rogers were accompanied by the Lion President Keith Bourne and Mrs Valerie Bourne at the screening and were tested by the nurses.

The Tonbridge Lions Diabetic Screening has been taking place since the year 2000 and 3558 people have been examined of which between 6 and 7 per cent have been referred for further examination to their GP.

The Chairman of the Tonbridge Lions Health Group, Lion Russell Dorling whose Committee organised the Screening, said  “I am delighted with the response we have had today and cannot emphasise how important it is to have blood sugar levels examined in adulthood when early detection of high sugar levels can prevent serious consequences of diabetes in later life.  My thanks go out to all those people that made the day such a success.”

Photo – TMBC Mayor Cllr Howard and Mrs Jane Rogers with Medix Nurses Amanda Weeks and Barbara Plumb with Tonbridge Lions’ President Keith and Mrs Valerie Bourne.

FREE Diabetic Screening in Tonbridge

It is estimated that of the 3 million people living with diabetes in the UK about 750,000 do not know that they have it. So Tonbridge Lions Club will be offering free diabetes screening in the Tonbridge Angel Centre car park (High Street side) on Saturday 10th August.


Diabetes is a serious condition because it can affect many parts of the body. Many people are not diagnosed with the condition until the complications of diabetes have already started to develop – blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and circulation problems that could lead to amputations. But spotting diabetes early enables treatment, either through diet and exercise or tablets and sometimes insulin, thus reducing the risk of the development of serious complications.


Qualified medical staff from Medix will carry out the screening, which involves a very simple blood test from the finger, which measures the blood sugar, with an immediate result.

The Screening Centre will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and the Lions expect to screen 200-300 people. Adults over the age of 40 are the most likely group to develop diabetes. However, children can be tested provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and following a consultation with a nurse.

There will be no charge for the test, as all costs will be met by Tonbridge Lions Club.

Further information can be obtained from the Lions Health Group, Russell Dorling on 01732 366920 or Medix on 01892 723732.