THIS week I popped into the Severn Vale Rotary Club for a breakfast meeting – I am an honourary member, having been a founder member (2002) and now unable to attend on a regular basis following my election to Parliament.

The Club continues to thrive with thirty active members and a full programme of fundraising for good local causes.

It meets in Whitminster and draws its members mainly from west of the A38.

I address other Rotary Clubs from time to time with my next Rotary engagement later this month in Frocester.

Severn Vale had an interesting speaker, Roberta Stephens, a young adult explaining her experiences with Diabetes 1.

As readers will know, there are two types of diabetes; this one where chronic conditions are caused by the body itself (sometimes inherited) and Diabetes 2 where quality of life is a critical factor.

Diabetes is, itself, a difficult condition but it is also a cause of other health problems, notably vascular disease.

I happen to be chairman of the “All Parliamentary Group” for Vascular Disease and one of our key themes is the need to enhance awareness of the link between diabetes and related conditions.

This point came across very well during the Severn Vale Rotary breakfast, not least because a very brave and determined person was making the case for better understanding of the condition.

Theresa May, the Home Secretary, recently announced she has Diabetes 1 and has embarked on daily injections of insulin.

This proves something else about the condition; it can strike at any time.

We can all help in some way to raise awareness of chronic conditions like diabetes.

I have certainly been struck by the impact patients can make by engaging with healthcare professionals, policy makers and the wider public.

As priorities change and new technologies are developed, we should speak out when necessary.

I can be contacted through my website – www.neilcarmichael.co.uk – or follow me on twitter @neil_mp. My new office is 7 Bridge Street, Nailsworth, and you can still contact me at the House of Commons.