PEOPLE with diabetes in Cornwall are being urged to speak out about the condition and help raise awareness.

Diabetes UK is appealing for volunteers who have diabetes, or who have a lot of experience with the condition, to act as speakers in the county.

The role involves giving talks at locations such as schools, community groups and workplaces to explain what diabetes is, how it is treated and the impact it has on the lives of those affected and their families.

"With more than 31,000 people believed to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in Devon and Cornwall it is important that understanding about the condition is raised.

"Yet there is a significant shortage of speakers in the area, particularly in Cornwall, to take on the important role," said Diabetes UK.

Training and support will be supplied for all potential volunteer speakers at an event at Okehampton, Devon, on February 21.

Volunteers do not need any experience of public speaking.

Emily Perriam, regional volunteer development officer for Diabetes UK, said: "It is really important that we can find volunteers to take on this vital role to help educate people about diabetes. By the time they are diagnosed, half of people with type 2 diabetes show signs of complications. Improved education and awareness can reduce the number of people developing type 2 diabetes and the associated cost to the NHS."

To find out more about becoming a speaker or attending the event e-mail south.west@diabetes.org.uk