More than 160,000 people in Wales have been diagnosed with diabetes. That's nearly five percent of the population. It's estimated that 66,000 more people have the condition but have not yet been diagnosed.

Diabetes is on the increase in Wales and worldwide, largely as a result of lifestyle factors. In Western Europe, around 80 percent of cases of diabetes are now attributable to weight gain. As part of this, we are now seeing cases of Type 2 diabetes in overweight children in Wales.

If not properly managed and treated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and foot ulcers leading to amputation. It's not surprising, then, that it accounts for around ten percent of NHS costs in Wales.

However, when diabetes is well managed, and people with diabetes are supported to manage it, it is possible to live a live a long and healthy life with the condition.

Providing care for terminally ill patients

Marie Curie Cancer Care was established in 1948 - the same year as the NHS.

More than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals help provide care for terminally ill patients in the community and in our hospices, along with support for their families.

This year we expect to provide care to more than 31,000 people with cancer and other terminal illnesses.

We have nine Marie Curie Hospices across the UK.

Each hospice offers specialist support in a relaxed, friendly and comfortable environment and no charge is ever made to patients or their families.

We provide the largest number of hospice beds outside the NHS. Voluntary contributions, together with statutory government funding, are essential to continue providing these vital services.