SUPPORTERS will have the opportunity to get screened for diabetes outside St Mary’s on Saturday.

The tests will take place inside a marquee next to the Gasworks Lounge outside the Kingsland Stand from 12pm.

Dr Mike Sadler, who is a clinical non-executive director at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, thought of the idea to raise awareness.

He revealed: “As far as we’re aware this is the first time screening has been carried out at a football match and it is a chance for people to help their health at the same time as supporting their football team.

“If the pilot is successful, we are hopeful this will lay the foundation for potential screening clinics at football grounds across the country to help tackle what is a significant and growing problem.”

Football fans from both Saints and Cardiff will be able to attend the screening, where you will give a finger prick sample of blood.

And if the results indicate they are at risk of developing diabetes, they will be given a letter to present to their GP.

Dr Mayank Patel, who will lead the screening team, said: “It is possible to live undiagnosed with type 2 diabetes for months as it does not always cause symptoms but it can cause internal damage, so the earlier it is diagnosed the sooner treatment can begin.”

The scheme is being funded by Southampton Hospital Charity, with support from the Saints Foundation and the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation.