OVER 21,500 people in Fife have been diagnosed with diabetes and many of them will live in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

It is a relentless condition which requires careful management every day to reduce the risk of dangerous complications including stroke, kidney failure, lower limb amputations and sight loss.

It’s no wonder that the day-to-day demands of living with diabetes can feel like a constant struggle.

In fact, in a recent survey seven out of 10 people admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the condition but, of those that sought additional support, three quarters were unable to access it.

Diabetes Scotland is campaigning for better access to emotional and psychological support for people living with diabetes. We believe it should be a routine part of diabetes care provided by NHS Scotland and available to everyone living with the condition across Scotland.

We’re calling on people affected by diabetes to support our ‘It’s Missing’ campaign by contacting their MSP and let them know that mental health support is too often missing from diabetes care.

Visit www.diabetes.org.uk/missing for further information and to sign up for campaign updates.

If any readers would like to share their experience of diabetes and mental health, help us campaign or find out more, please drop me a line on Rupert.Pigot@diabetes.org.uk or call 0141 245 6380.

RUPERT PIGOT,

Policy & External Engagement Manager,

Diabetes Scotland.