Havering Town Hall lit up blue on Monday to raise awareness of a global health epidemic.

All around the world, iconic buildings did the same to mark World Diabetes Day, which falls on the birthday of Frederick Banting who helped invent the life-saving insulin treatment.

In a show of support, Mayor of Havering Cllr Philippa Crowder joined the Havering Family Diabetes Group (HFDG) at Queen’s Hospital, Rom Valley Way, Romford, which was running an information stand.

“I know a lot about diabetes,” she said. “Family members are diabetic. It’s something I feel passionate about.

“It’s a really big strain on the NHS. People think if they have Type 2, it’s OK, take a tablet and I will be OK. But people can develop blindness and lose limbs.”

Cllr Crowder has chosen the group, which provides detailed information and offers support to people with the condition and those newly diagnosed, as one of her three charities during her year in office.

“I know how much support and help young people need when they’re diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes,” she added.

In October, NHS England announced a £40million fund to improve diabetes care as more people are being diagnosed with Type 2. Increased rates of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles are believed to be the cause of the epidemic.

HFDG vice chairman Joe Braeger, 69, of Morris Road, Harold Hill, has lived with the condition for 47 years and relies on a pump strapped to his body to deliver his life-saving treatment.

“Ten per cent of the NHS budget goes on diabetes-related illnesses,” he said.

“Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is on the increase, with 11,962 people in Havering over the age of 17 living with it.”

The support group meets on the last Tuesday of every other month.

Its next meeting is on Tuesday, November 29 at 7.45pm at United Reformed Church, Heaton Way, Harold Hill. Admission is free.

Visit haveringfamilydiabetesgroup.org.uk for more information.