A coffee morning fundraiser in aid of the Diabetes Federation, Cork Branch, was held last Friday 5th August at the Church of the Holy Family Hall. Free screening for Diabetes was offered. The fundraiser was organised by Yvonne Smith and family. Her brother Frank passed away in January 2009 at  the age of 37. He had type 1 diabetes, he was diagnosed in 1998 in the UK while living there. He had managed it reasonably well and lived a full life.

He died in a hypo, a hypo is where the level of glucose(sugar) in the body drops, when this becomes very low the person is disorientated and would appear drunk like, they would need assistance in administering a glucose injection or even drinking something sweet to bring their level up so they could function.

Frank became low and was unable to assist himself and slipped into a coma, in most cases a person can remain in the coma for hours and when found is treated and they recover, unfortunately in Franks case he died of organ failure within a short time of going into the coma.

We are dedicated to diabetes awareness and education as we feel this is something we can do so this may save another person from tragically dying. Or at the very least make people aware and assess their lifestyle. Type 2 is a difficult one also as people remain high for long periods often they are unaware they have diabetes and this results in damage to the eyes, kidneys and limbs. It affects so many people and our mission is to try and help people understand diabetes and by the free screening hopefully prevent some people from developing it further.

All procceeds go directly to the Diabetes Federation, Cork Branch and will help to education and awareness in Youghal and the surrounding areas. A raffle was held with prizes of:

1ST PRIZE €250

2ND PRIZE €100

3RD PRIZE €75

4TH PRIZE €50

DIABETES FEDERATION CORK BRANCH , 32 GRAND PARADE CORK

021 4274229

Click here to visit the Diabetes Federation of Ireland website