​The number of people living with diabetes in the UK has reached an all-time high of 3.9 million; in West Kent there are over 20,000 people with the condition and an estimated 5,000 as yet undiagnosed.

While possible health complications include amputation, blindness and stroke, 80% of the symptoms are avoidable.

Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks Diabetes UK Group

The number of people living with diabetes in the UK has reached an all-time high of 3.9 million; in West Kent there are over 20,000 people with the condition and an estimated 5,000 as yet undiagnosed.

While possible health complications include amputation, blindness and stroke, 80% of the symptoms are avoidable.

Providing support and information is key to helping individuals manage the condition and avoid devastating health complications.

The Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks local group of Diabetes UK, the leading diabetes charity, provides information and support to those living with the disease.

This autumn the group arranged two informative sessions which are free and open to all.

At the first, on 6th October, there was a presentation of local diabetes services and a Q&A session, with an expert panel from the Kent & Sussex Weald Diabetes Centre. Dr Dennis Barnes (Consultant Diabetes Specialist) led the panel, with Liz Kemps (Diabetes Specialist Nurse), Louise Walker (Diabetes Specialist Dietitian) and Vesna Vincent (Diabetes Specialist Podiatrist). They gave practical answers to a wide range of questions on access to local services, managing all aspects of the condition, medication, diet and foot care.

At the upcoming, second meeting, on 25th November, the group welcomes Anna Morris, Head of Research Funding for Diabetes UK, who will provide insights into current diabetes research; this has never been more wide ranging, with stem cell research, blood glucose monitoring, drug development and the 'Newcastle diet' all offering promising and exciting advances in condition management and treatment.

Do join us for this fascinating talk from 7.30pm to 9pm at the Angel Centre in Tonbridge.

If you would like to know more, contact Kieron Brennan, Director of All About Home Care and Chair of the local Diabetes UK Group, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Michaela Wragg at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Further information about living with the condition is available at www.diabetes.org.uk.