On the verge of extinction last month, the support group was saved when new members rallied around the group at the AGM on August 19.

Newly appointed treasurer Joseph Amato was thrilled to be a part of the group.

His brother and late mother both suffered from the disease.

This, along with being told he was heading towards becoming a diabetic, motivated Mr Amato to join the group.

He was looking forward to helping people who struggled with diabetes.

“I think it’s a great group, it’s something that is required in the community,” Mr Amato said.

“If you've been diagnosed, it’s not the end of the world, there is help out there.

“The main purpose for me was that I wanted to lend a hand and having a little bit of knowledge of diabetes I’m able to help people that are newly diagnosed.

“If they want moral or financial support, the group is there and we can help, that's the whole idea.”

Following the AGM, the group held their normal monthly meeting.

It was decided that several purchases be made to help locals with diabetes.

One of those purchases was blood sugar monitoring machines.

“These machines can monitor patients’ blood glucose levels remotely every few minutes for a seven day period enabling diabetes professionals to detect precisely at what time the treatment is failing,” president Tom Marriott said.

“We are also purchasing 40 educational books, blood pressure machines, stethoscopes and two stomach, duodenum and pancreas models for the educators to use to explain to patients the effects of diabetes.

“This equipment will help greatly in the treatment of diabetes in Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Hay and all places in between.”

The support group still have money in the bank from fundraisers.

Keeping the group going ensures that the funds will be put back into the local area.

If anyone would like to contact the group for suppoer or to join, call Joseph Amato on 0418696507 or Tom Marriott on 0427293657.