A WOMAN who has been diagnosed with type two diabetes is launching a support group after being told that 10 per cent of the town’s population suffer from the condition.

Karen Jackson-Smith, of Palmers Lane in Millom, was diagnosed with type two diabetes in May.

The 52-year-old began to suffer from severe sweats and headaches but dismissed these ailments as symptoms of the menopause.

As time went on, Mrs Jackson-Smith grew more concerned and decided to get checked out.

She said: “I didn’t know anything about it. Type two diabetes runs in my family but it just wasn’t on my radar.

“It really threw me and if I hadn’t got the support from my friends I would have struggled even more.

“It makes a real difference just to have someone to talk to once a month.”

After her diagnosis, Mrs Jackson-Smith began her search for a support group and was alarmed to discover that she would have to travel to Penrith or Preston to meet up with other people suffering from the condition.

She then approached her nurse at Waterloo House Surgery who said that more than 800 of its registered patients had type two diabetes – in a town with a population that’s less than 8,000.

Mrs Jackson Smith then joined forces with Millom Health Action Group to launch a support group for people in the area with the condition.

She said: “Diabetes is in the public eye now more than ever. Sometimes you’ve just got to talk to someone who knows where you’re coming from or has been through similar circumstances.”

The first session will take place on March 8 at the Bradbury Centre in St George’s Road in Millom at 1.30pm where people can come, have a chat, share stories, advice and even recipes over light refreshments.

Mrs Jackson Smith’s efforts have also won the admiration of Copeland MP Jamie Reed who suffers from type one diabetes.

He said: “It is absolutely crucial that those who need support to help manage their condition are able to access it close to home.  

“It isn’t right to expect people to travel many miles to get support so this new group will be a major boost for those who need it. “

“It is really commendable that this group has been set up; it further demonstrates the fantastic community spirit we have in Cumbria.”

Mrs Jackson Smith is eager to launch the initiative and hopes that her story will help shine a light for people across the town.

She said: “The best bit of advice I was given was “don’t let it control you”. You get to the  point where you control it and you have a handle on it.

“There’s always hope.”