A new Cross Party Group on Diabetes is being launched later this month at the Welsh Assembly by Jeff Cuthbert AM and Diabetes UK Cymru.

The launch meeting of the Cross Party Group on Diabetes will be held in the Welsh Assembly’s Ty Hywel Building on Wednesday 17 March from 12.30pm to 2pm.

The group will work closely with Diabetes UK Cymru and the pioneering Diabetes Peer Support Programme, a registered charity supporting people living with the condition, to provide a forum for organisations, policy makers and people with diabetes in Wales.

More than 146,000 people have been diagnosed with the condition across Wales and a further 50,000 are estimated to have the condition and not yet know it.

Nine out of 10 people with the condition have Type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with being overweight and having a larger waist size.

Diabetes costs the NHS in Wales nearly £500m a year and, if poorly controlled, can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and amputation.

Dai Williams, National Director of Diabetes UK Cymru, said: “We are delighted to be working with Jeff Cuthbert AM and the Diabetes Peer Support Programme to set up the new Cross Party Group on Diabetes.

“Diabetes is a serious life-long condition which is increasing rapidly across Wales and nearly one in 20 people already have the condition.

“We look forward to working with the Cross Party Group on Diabetes to inform AMs, who represent thousands of people with diabetes across Wales, what services currently exist for people with the condition and how they can be supported.”

Jeff Cuthbert, AM for Caerphilly and Chair of the group, who has Type 2 diabetes, said: “It gives me great pleasure to assist in the foundation of the Cross Party Group, which has support from all of the parties and the participation of Diabetes UK Cymru and the Diabetes Peer Support Programme.

“I am happy to be working together to help raise the importance of minimising the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes while also encouraging those with the condition to live healthy and fulfilling lives.”

Diabetes UK Cymru provides advice, support and information for people with diabetes and their families.

For information about diabetes, you can call Diabetes UK Cymru on 029 2066 8276 or email wales@diabetes.org.uk.