RAISING awareness of diabetes, its diagnosis, causes and treatment is important to Ludlow MP Philip Dunne.

The MP Philip Dunne is backing calls from charities Diabetes UK and Silver Star Diabetes International to raise awareness of the condition.

At an event in Parliament Philip Dunne MP took the quick and easy finger-prick diabetes test to help raise awareness of the need for at risk members of the public to test for the condition.

As part of the health challenge, some MPs were issued with a Silver Star Diabetes Pedometer that will measure the amount of steps taken on a chosen day until World Diabetes Day to see who can take the most steps.

He also met Diabetes UK to discuss the launch of their new campaign, Taking Control, which calls for greater education for all people with diabetes, working with local health and education bodies to explain the benefits of attending a diabetes education course.

“Diabetes is a very serious condition that can lead to devastating complications,” said Philip Dunne.

“This is why it is crucial that all people with diabetes have access to the support and education they need to help them manage their condition well.

“I will be talking to local NHS leaders about how to ensure everyone with diabetes in South Shropshire has access to the information and support they need to manage their condition well.”