Don Foster MP spreads the word about type 1 diabetes in Parliament

Earlier this week, Don Foster MP gave his support to JDRF, the world’s leading type 1 diabetes research charity, by attending the ‘Type 1 Parliament’ lobbying event which took place in Westminster on 25 April 2012.

Don attended the event alongside 50 other MPs, and spoke to adults and children about living with type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is a serious autoimmune condition that causes the body’s own immune system to turn on itself and attack cells in the pancreas, which produce insulin. The condition affects about 300,000 adults in the UK, including over 26,000 children and requires multiple daily insulin injections and finger prick blood tests to manage.

Commenting on the event Don said

“Many people in Bath live with Type 1 diabetes so I was delighted to attend this event and see first hand the excellent work JDRF are undertaking to help improve the lives of people with this condition”

Don has also met with delegates to learn about their experiences of living with Type 1

Over the last few years, JDRF has successfully built awareness for type 1 diabetes and has developed
a political presence within Westminster through the devolved administrations, campaigning on the postcode lottery on the provision of insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors and advocating the importance of funding medical research for type 1.

In relation to funding, the UK falls way behind other developed countries and JDRF believes that this needs to change. Not only will greater investment in research ensure we find the cure for type 1 diabetes sooner; it could also bring significant advantages to the UK economy.