An estimated 225,000 people have diabetes in Ireland, however the organisation which works to improve the lives of those affected receives just 50% of the funding it requires from the HSE, relying on fundraising and membership fees for the remainder.

Diabetes Ireland was established 50 years ago in 1967 and since then, it has become an integral provider of health services, support and education. It also has a major role in advocating for better services and has had significant input into diabetes-related healthcare policies over the years.

In an attempt to raise much needed funds, the charity is holding its biggest raffle to date in the coming weeks. The prize is a brand new car and all money raised by this event will be put back into diabetes services.

An average of 23 children and teenagers are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes every month in Ireland and the charity works hard to promote a positive attitude towards the condition and to make young people self-confident when it comes to the management of their diabetes.

Some of the child and family services if offers include:
-Family support weekends throughout the year
-A diabetes camp in Barretstown - the next one will be held in May 2018
-The delivery of diabetes management and healthy lifestyle presentations in schools, colleges and workplaces.

Diabetes Ireland also advocates for improvements in paediatric diabetes services and access to new medicines and technology.

When it comes to type 2 diabetes, the organisation works tirelessly to raise awareness of the condition in an attempt to prevent it, as well as helping those already affected. An estimated 30% of people with type 2 diabetes over the age of 45 are unaware they have the condition.

Diabetes Ireland's work in this area includes:
-The provision of information on how to manage the condition, access services and navigate the health system
-The provision of subsidised access for members to foot care, dietetic support, counselling and education services in its Dublin and Cork care centres
-The funding of research into new technologies that will help people better manage their condition
-Running diabetes screening days in workplaces and public venues such as shopping centres

In order to keep all of these services and supports going, Diabetes Ireland relies on fundraising, so it is calling on people to support its Christmas car raffle.

Anyone who buys a raffle ticket will be entered into a draw for a brand new Skoda Octavia. Tickets cost €5 each or a book of six for €25. The draw will take place at Diabetes Ireland's AGM on November 12.

For more information and to enter the raffle, click here