A DIABETES charity has called for an increase in diabetes education across Dwyfor and Meirionnydd for World Diabetes Day.

On Saturday, 14 November, Diabetes UK Cymru recognised World Diabetes Day and demanded Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board provides more education for the growing number of people living with diabetes in Gwynedd.

More people than ever have been diagnosed with the condition in north Wales in recent years.

As such, the charity is launching a new Taking Control campaign to raise awareness of the huge difference diabetes education courses can make.

According to the charity, most people with diabetes only spend around three hours a year with their healthcare professional.

For the remaining 8,757 hours they are managing their condition themselves, which is why it is vital they are armed with the knowledge and skills to control their diabetes to the best of their ability.

Diabetes UK Cymru’s director Dai Williams said: “Being diagnosed with diabetes is serious.

“Without having some form of education it is like being thrown into the deep end without ever having a swimming lesson.”See this week's North editions for the full story or read the digital edition by clicking the tab at the top of the page