A new support group for people with Type-2 diabetes is aiming to raise awareness of the disease in Waltham Forest this year.

The new Diabetes UK group, chaired by Waltham Forest councillor Asim Mahmood, will run events in the borough throughout 2018 and offer support to those living with the condition.

The group, which held its first meeting last Tuesday, wants to prevent more cases of type 2 diabetes by promoting healthy lifestyles and excise.

The first meeting was a huge success,” Cllr Mahmood said: “We discussed priorities and shared stories and experiences of living with diabetes.

“Our vision for the group is not only to offer support to people with Type 2 diabetes, but also to help prevent new cases in the community through promoting healthy lifestyle and exercise.

“We hope to target at-risk groups and let them know how to reduce their risk and make them aware of diabetes related complications.”

Between 85 to 90 per cent of people with diabetes have Type 2 and family history, age and ethnic background all play a role in how likely a person is to develop the disease.

People who are overweight are also putting themselves at an increased risk of becoming Type 2 diabetic.

The Diabetes UK Waltham Forest group will meet on the last Tuesday of each month at 6pm at the Addison Road Medical Practice in Ravenswood Road, Walthamstow, with the next meeting on March 27. To attend or for more information, email: london@diabetes.org.uk