A GROUP aimed at connecting people in Hillingdon who have diabetes has been launched and is now appealing for new members.

The group will next meet on Wednesday, November 27, 7pm, in Room CR5 Hillingdon Civic Centre, Uxbridge.

For 2019, meeting dates have been confirmed at the Civic Centre on January 10,  February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, September 12, October 10 and November 14.

Secretary Amber Webb said: “I decided to help set up the group because, as a diabetes specialist nurse who has worked in Hillingdon for several years, I am aware of the support available for those with diabetes.

“The majority of people with diabetes are cared for by health care practitioners at their GP practices. The time they have at the surgery is a very small proportion of their time.

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“Most of the time they are managing their diabetes themselves. I hope that, by setting up this group, people can get support from the professionals, who come to speak, along with the other members of the group. 

“So far this year, we have had a dietician, diabetes specialist nurse, podiatrist, members of the talking heath team and a GP with special interest in diabetes come to talk to us.

"The group is informal and I hope a bit of fun also. If you have diabetes or care for someone with diabetes you are most welcome to attend.”

To find out more, email diabetesUKHillingdon@gmail.com

In Hillingdon there are currently 17,618 people diagnosed with diabetes, 7.28% of the population, higher than many other London boroughs.