A support group for children with diabetes is marking the 90th anniversary of using insulin to treat the illness by raising awareness of the condition.

The Mendip Support Group meets at the Children's Centre at Bishop Henderson School, Coleford, helping families who have children with Type 1 diabetes.

Four-year-old Emma Collins, who lives in Peasedown St John, was diagnosed with Type 1 a month before her second birthday, which inspired her mum Annabel to set up the support group with Emma Clarke.

Mrs Collins said: "It seemed to be all of a sudden. Emma must have lost weight but we had not noticed. She was very lethargic, she lay on the settee and was drinking excessively to such an extent that her nappies were leaking through."

A doctor diagnosed a chest infection and Emma was given antibiotics, but when her conditioned worsened her family rushed Emma to hospital.

Mrs Collins said: "Within half an hour she had a blood test and was rigged up to a drip because she was so dehydrated. She was in a serious condition."

When diabetes was diagnosed her mum was relieved as she had feared it could have been a terminal illness.

"It was a huge shock but it could have been worse. It was a nightmare but it happened," she said.

Mrs Collins said it is important that people are aware of the symptoms and the support available.

She said: "Pick up on anything out of the ordinary. If you cannot explain why then get medical treatment. Excessive drinking is a sign of dehydration and that could be because of a lack of insulin."

Type 1 develops when insulin-producing cells in the pancreas stop working. Before a suitable treatment was discovered the illness was life-threatening.

Emma used to have regular injections but the introduction of a pump has helped transform her life, releasing small amounts of insulin throughout the day and which can be adjusted to suit what she is doing.

Mrs Collins said: "It is part of her and she does not know life before diabetes. Rather than injections she now only has to have the plasters holding the pump moved every three days. She needs to have the pump to keep her healthy."

Emma is a pupil at Wellow School where staff have been trained to help the her through the school day.

Mrs Collins said: "We look to the future and wait to see what happens and wait for a major breakthrough."

The support group is run by volunteers in association with Diabetes UK. Children and families are invited to meet and share their experiences.

It is holding a craft fair and coffee morning on March 31 at the Methodist Church Centre in Midsomer Norton.

All the money raised will go towards funding research.