North Wales diabetes services discussed at National Assembly

Shadow Health Minister Darren Millar helped Diabetes UK Cymru make connections with people living with diabetes when he met with constituents at a lobbying event in Cardiff Bay last week.

The lobby took place as more than 5% of people in Darren’s Clwyd West constituency are now diagnosed with diabetes, a number which is growing every year.

During the event, Mr Millar met the charity’s volunteers to talk about their experiences of living with the condition and discovered what is being done to support people with diabetes in North Wales.

The event was inspired by the theme of Diabetes Week 2012, which is ‘making connections’.

Darren Millar said: "I was delighted to show my support for Diabetes UK Cymru and the many thousands of people across Wales who affected by diabetes by attending this event at the Assembly.

"By making connections with those with diabetes, we can help raise awareness about this serious lifelong condition and understand the problems faced by those needing to access diabetes services."

Dai Williams, National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: "We would like to say a big thank you to Darren Millar AM for helping us to raise the profile of diabetes in the Welsh Assembly.

"Diabetes is rapidly rising in Wales and as more people are diagnosed they need to know their voices are being heard by their representatives.".

"Diabetes UK Cymru cares for, connects with and campaigns for all people with diabetes and their families, including through our Wales-wide network of voluntary groups."

For further information about diabetes, contact Diabetes UK Cymru on 029 2066 8276, email

wales@diabetes.org.uk or visit www.diabetes.org.uk/wales

Notes:

Photo shows Yvonne Johns of Abergele with Darren Millar AM at the Diabetes UK lobby in the National Assembly for Wales.