A SUPPORT network for people in Banbury living with diabetes has been launched by four people from the town.

Last year national charity Diabetes UK, which campaigns on behalf of people with the condition, appealed in the Banbury area for help setting up a free group for locals.

Four people with type one and type two diabetes have since stepped up to the plate and will hold the first open event for would-be participants later this month.

Committee member Amanda Tudhope, 43, said: "It is our aim in the group to provide help and support to people living with diabetes and their families and friends living in Banbury and the surrounding areas.

"We aim to do this primarily through group meetings with the express purpose of providing individuals with a safe, social forum to discuss diabetes and its effects."

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar to become too high and in the long term can affect eyesight, the kidneys and cardiovascular health.

In type one diabetes the body's immune system destroys the cells that release insulin, the hormone regulating blood sugar, while type two – which affects the vast majority of sufferers – the body develops a resistance to insulin and cannot immediately use it in the right way.

Ms Tudhope said: "When and where we can we will also try to raise money to promote awareness of diabetes, and generally contribute in any way we can."

People who have been diagnosed with diabetes, their loved ones and any individuals who want to find out more about diabetes are invited to get involved.

The group's first meeting will run on Wednesday, February 22, from 7.45pm in Hanwell Fields Community Centre in Banbury.

Experts from the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM) will be present for a Q&A session and refreshments will be provided.

For more information visit banbury.diabetesukgroup.org