A MAJORITY of diabetes sufferers experience emotional or mental health problems due to their condition, new research reveals.

Three in five people in the North West who live with diabetes suffer from emotional or mental health problems, according to a study by charity Diabetes UK.

The survey of 800 people found 63.7 per cent of people often or sometimes feel down because of their babies.

A third of people said that diabetes got in the way of them or a family doing things they wanted to do.

While less than a third of people said they definitely felt in control of their diabetes.

Stephen Ryan, Diabetes UK’s head of the north said: “Living with diabetes can be exhausting and people tell us that they don’t want to give in to feelings of depression and anxiety.

“What they need instead is support to manage a serious health condition well and protect their emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Diabetes UK bosses have called on people to attend diabetes groups in Burnley and the Ribble Valley.

The groups offer support to people living with diabetes and are run by volunteers and members get the chance to meet and share experiences.

To find out more about diabetes groups and how to join, contact Jennifer.shaw@diabetes.org.uk or 01925 653281