Families with type 1 diabetes urge Scottish MPs to invest in fighting the condition

Families affected by type 1 diabetes are urging members of the Scottish Parliament to make research into the condition top of their agenda.
Supporters of the type 1 diabetes charity JDRF UK told members of parliament last week in Edinburgh about their experiences dealing with the condition.
The families also explained the daily worry they have of injecting insulin and how challenging counting carbohydrates can be.
Speaking at the event, Peter Jones, who is the chair of the JDRF Scotland Development Group, said: “I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 37 and the impact that had and will continue to have on my life is quite profound.
“It is not linked to lifestyle and there is no known cure. Managing the condition on a day to day basis is like walking a tightrope.
“We have the expertise to accelerate the path towards the discovery of new treatments, and one day the cure, if we can encourage Scotland to lead the global fight against type 1 diabetes.”
During proceedings Professor Rory McCrimmo, from the University of Edinburgh, gave an overview of what could be achieved by harnessing Scottish expertise and facilities.
Anna Ferrar has type 1 diabetes and spent time discussing how diabetes technology, that her own family need to fund, is crucial to helping her manage the condition.
Some of the attendees also spoke about the challenges they have undertaken for raising funds for the charity.
Ben Elliot was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 18 months old and his mother Ruth raised over £23,500 for JDRF.
In 2014, she raised funds by climbing Kilimanjaro and last year she climbed the most norther, souther, eastern and western Munros, cycling between each in the space of eight days.
Davy Ballantyne made national headlines over the summer after he hauled a 19 stone anvil up Goatfell peak, on the island of Arra, over 26 days.
His effort raised over £15,400 and Davy is a deserving finalist in the JustGiving Awards.