DIABETES sufferers could get a free check-ups and advice from specialists at a stall organised by the local charity Sabrina's Mile yesterday.

Sabrina's mum Louisa Moccia was on hand to talk to people and share advice in the Brunel Shopping Centre for World Diabetes Day.

The charity

"Sabrina would have been proud to see us doing this this. There's so many complications you can have from diabetes so its wonderful to be able to do something useful

"Sabrina did feel quite isolated as well, so sometimes things like this are good at getting people together and its nice to talk to people who have been through what you have.

As well as specialists offering advice and free BMI check-ups, people could also learn about new technology used to test blood sugar levels more easily.

Sarah Fitzpatrick, lead community diabetes specialist nurse, said: "There are lots of myths and misconceptions about diabetes and the differences between type one and type two. They might have the same name but they are completely different. Type one is an auto-immune condition, type two is more to do with lifestyle factors. That doesn't mean that everyone who is overweight will have type two diabetes.

"Lots of things affect blood sugar levels, its not just weight, it can be exercise, stress, even the weather. It's hard but its manageable, but you have to be on it all the time."