Diabetes Scotland has appointed Angela Mitchell as its new national director.

Mitchell joins the organisation from Soil Association Scotland and took up the position this month after replacing Jane-Claire Judson who is now chief executive of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Diabetes Scotland supports people living with the condition, campaigns for improved care, and raises money to fund vital research.

A former BBC producer, Mitchell brings third sector senior management, advocacy and behaviour change experience to the role. She has been working in the sustainability sector for the past 10 years with a key focus on food and the prevention agenda.

Mitchell said: “With over 290,000 people in Scotland living with this serious condition, the work of Diabetes Scotland has never been more in demand.

“Our role, in partnership with health services, local Integration Joint Boards and the Scottish Government is to raise awareness, improve care and provide help, support and information for people with diabetes and their families across Scotland.

“Our priorities are: an improvement in diabetes service delivery; more support and understanding at work and school; greater investment in diabetes research; better prevention of Type 2 diabetes through a reduction in obesity levels; and better access to technology and treatments."

Chief executive of Diabetes UK, Chris Askew, said: “We are delighted to welcome Angela to the organisation and look forward to the reinvigorating impact her leadership will bring to our support, campaigning and research work in Scotland.”