Go blue for diabetes

Sir, World Diabetes Day is on Monday November 14, and we at Diabetes UK are urging the whole of Scotland to turn blue and support people living with the condition.

There are more than 280,000 people living with diabetes in Scotland. Yet, despite its prevalence, the condition is very misunderstood.

Diabetes is a serious and complex condition which, if not managed well, can lead to life-limiting complications, including stroke, lower limb amputation, blindness and cardiovascular disease.

Children and adults with diabetes have to manage the condition 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in order to stay healthy. There is no day off. That is why we are asking everyone in Scotland to go blue for a day.

Whether you dress in blue clothes, dye your hair blue or paint your face blue like

Braveheart, we want you to embrace your inner Smurf to raise money to support people living with diabetes and fund research.

Anyone who would like to get involved in our #WorldDiabetesDay activity along with family, friends, school, community or workplace are invited to get in touch with me at Linda.Hamilton@diabetes.org.uk or phone 07585 790 515.

Diabetes UK offers expert information and advice to help people manage their diabetes effectively and confidently; funds pioneering research into care, cure and prevention of diabetes; and campaigns for improved diabetes health care and support for everyone affected by the condition.

For further information on diabetes please visit www. diabetes.org.uk

Linda Hamilton, Diabetes UK regional fundraiser, Glasgow.