A WIDNES-BASED voluntary group is helping youngsters and their families come to terms with being diagnosed with diabetes at a time when rates among children are rising at an alarming rate. Widnes and District Children's Diabetic Group has been providing an education service for children who have been newly diagnosed and encourages those who already have the condition to share their knowledge with others. Chairman Lynne Day said diabetes has seen a significant increase in Halton's child population. When it occurs in youngsters, it is usually the most serious form, known as type one diabetes. Type one diabetes is caused when the pancreas completely stops producing insulin, which controls the body's ability to metabolise sugar. Daily injections of insulin can be a scary prospect but Lynne assures patients it is something which becomes a normal part of everyday life. The group, which has about 120 members, mainly from Widnes, has fewer type two diabetic members. Those rates are also rising in children due to them becoming overweight and lacking exercise. In type two cases, diabetes can be controlled by diet. How children learn to cope THE group has been running for 11 years and, despite receiving some funding from the council, it also has to beg for cash wherever possible. Volunteers work hard to raise money for educational days out and low-sugar food-tasting sessions. Lynne Day says many parents regard their child's diagnosis as being almost like a bereavement. For the child, the trauma of injecting themselves and changing their diet and lifestyles causes fear which has to be overcome. So meetings include demonstrations on how to inject insulin and Mrs Day brings along her 15-year-old diabetic son to show the other children how to do it. At the meetings, there is a strong emphasis on diet, healthy eating plans and exercise programmes. Meeting other families who have gained experience of the condition helps newcomers learn to cope. Mrs Day said: 'Sometimes when you are a voluntary group it is a thankless task but we love working for the children. 'Adjusting to the knowledge that your child has diabetes takes time and it is often helpful to meet people who live with diabetes and have been through a similar situation. 'Our group can offer families this support. 'We meet once a month in a very informal setting and we have tea, coffee and pop for the children - but of course it's sugar-free. 'We also have activities such as arts and crafts, a pool table, table tennis and plenty of outside games, day trips for the whole family to a variety of places and we have a great Christmas party every year.' All kinds of help on offer > > > | 
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