AYRSHIRE people affected by diabetes are invited to join one of two new support groups organised by Diabetes Scotland.  Information meetings are being held at The Marine Hotel, Troon, on Thursday, January 29 at 7.30pm and Saturday, January 31 at 10am.

It is hoped that a family group for children with diabetes and a group for adults can be launched.  Honor Shaw, Diabetes Scotland Volunteer Development Support Officer, said:  “We have 26 local groups across Scotland where people can come together to share information and experience of diabetes with others in a similar situation.

“Group members provide support for one another but they also organise fun social events, fundraisers, and arrange for expert guest speakers to attend meetings.

“Anyone who is interested in finding out more about local support groups in Ayrshire is invited to come along to one of the information meetings.

“We look forward to meeting potential new group members and having the opportunity to discuss how Diabetes Scotland can help support people in the area with diabetes and their families.” As part of Diabetes UK, Diabetes Scotland is the leading charity that cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of people with diabetes.

There are over 268,000 people with diabetes in Scotland, including over 21,600 in the Ayrshire & Arran area.

A further 620,000 in Scotland are considered at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.  For further information about Diabetes Scotland Local Groups contact Honor Shaw at Diabetes Scotland at honor.shaw@diabetes.org.uk or by phoning 0141 245 6380.