This Diabetes Week, Diabetes UK Cymru would like to let you who are living with diabetes know that they are not alone when it comes to managing their condition.

Many people with diabetes can feel overwhelmed and scared about the possibility of having life altering complications, such as amputation, heart attack and stroke.

But strong evidence shows that by finding out how to live well with diabetes, people with the condition can feel healthier and help protect themselves from these complications.

We know access to support and education services helps people to increase their confidence in managing their diabetes. This is why we offer support in lots of different ways.

At our free Living with Diabetes Days, health professionals deliver expert workshops and information is provided around the practical elements of living with Type 2 diabetes, such as diet, exercise and driving. If you prefer to learn online, our informal online course, Type 2 Diabetes and Me, helps people with Type 2 diabetes to understand and manage their condition.

Or if you prefer to pick up the phone, our Careline offers a confidential helpline staffed by professional counsellors with lots of diabetes knowledge. We also have Peer Support and online communities which offer the chance to learn from others in your situation.

Talk to your nurse or doctor to see what support is available in your area and find out more about the advice and education Diabetes UK offers at www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetesweek.

Taking this step could be the turning point for managing your diabetes.

Dai Williams, National Director, Diabetes UK Cymru