An annual event, hosted by Diabetes UK, has been held at the National Assembly for Wales to highlight the challenges which exist for those who live with diabetes.
In Wales, approximately 177,00 people have been diagnosed with diabetes and it’s estimated that up to 60,000 people have diabetes but don’t know it. If trends continue, this number will rise to 288,000 people by 2025.
Diabetes is associated with around 1,200 untimely deaths in Wales each year. Half of all deaths from diabetes result from cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.
Following the event, Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, said:
"I was delighted to meet with one of my constituents, Bob Wright, at the Diabetes UK event in the National Assembly.
"The event was a great chance for me as a local representative to meet Bob, hear his diabetes story and discuss the importance of good diabetes care in Montgomeryshire.
"Every one of those people diagnosed with diabetes, like Bob, has their own story to tell and deserves the best possible care so that they can live long, healthy lives.
"Diabetes is a serious condition and without the right support it can be a real challenge. It is vitally important that we discuss how to best overcome these challenges.
"There is a huge variation in on-going care for people who have diabetes. Better prevention, detection and good management of the condition will drive down the prevalence and the complication rate."