Diabetes UK is the largest organisation in the UK working for people living with the condition, funding up to £6.5m of research each year and campaigning for the best care and treatment for sufferers.

About 2.3 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the UK. If not managed effectively, the condition can have serious complications including blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage that can lead to amputation, heart disease and stroke.

Jill Steaton, South East Regional Manager at Diabetes UK, said: "We provide support, information and safety net services to help people manage their diabetes. We also work with healthcare professionals to ensure the highest quality of care, and support more than 55 voluntary groups in the region."

The charity works to raise awareness of diabetes in all communities and with people of all ages. This includes South Asian and black people who develop Type 2 diabetes on average five years earlier than white people.

Diabetes UK's annual Measure Up' campaign aims to alert the public that up to 750,000 people in the UK have Type 2 diabetes and don't know it. As undiagnosed diabetes can lead to dangerous complications, the best prevention is to be aware of the risk factors and get tested.

Measure Up' encourages people to measure their waists to see if they are at risk. Risky waist measurements are 37in or more for men, except those of South Asian origin who are at risk at 35in or more, and 31in or more for all women. Other risk factors include being aged over 40, or 25 for people of black and South Asian origin, being overweight or having a family history of Type 2 diabetes.

There is an Oxfordshire branch of Diabetes UK run entirely by volunteers. Its chairman, Gwyn Huish, said: "We're a friendly group who rely on volunteers to help with things like writing and editing a local newsletter, which will give signposts to all the information and medical advancements that apply to diabetics. We also have a meeting every two months with guest expert speakers so that people with diabetes can ask questions and generally exchange views.

"The Oxfordshire branch is particularly looking for volunteers to help with things like designing a leaflet, setting up a database, or helping another new volunteer to build a website."

Gwyn added: "We're always on the lookout for new members to join our support group who can spare some time to help, so if anyone's interested, they can ring me on 01869 242596, or email me on gwynhuish@aol.com."

Diabetes UK South East would be delighted to hear from people wanting to know more. Call the team on 01372 720148 or email south.east@diabetes.org.uk For support and information, visit www.diabetes.org.uk or call Diabetes UK Careline on 0845 120 2960.