PTI
 
London, Dec 23: An Indian-origin Labour MP is among the front runners for a major award instituted to honour lawmakers who have highlighted the cause of  diabetes in the British parliament.

Goa-origin MP Keith Vaz (52) established the Silver Star, a leading charity organisation working in the area of diabetes among the Asian community, to raise awareness about the disesae and its prevention.

The new award, which recognises politicians who go above and beyond the call of duty to raise awareness of diabetes in parliament, has been instituted by Diabetes UK, and will be announced in January.

The nominees for the prize are Lord Bilston, Sandra Gidley, Nigel Griffiths, Lord Harrison, Baroness Masham of Ilton, Adrian Sanders, Helen Southworth and Keith Vaz.

The nominated parliamentarians have attended events, asked questions and spoken in debates about diabetes.

A spokesperson of Diabetes UK said "Whether it be raising issues relating to blood glucose testing strips, support for children in schools or the need for diabetes specialist services, these MPs and Peers keep diabetes on the political agenda and strive for improvements in care".

Online voting for the prize ends on Jan 9. The Vaz-supported Silver Star organisation was set up in July 2007 to raise awareness of diabetes, particularly within South Asian communities and his constituency.

The organisation acquired two Mobile Diabetes Assessment Units that travel to community events around the UK.

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan had visited the organisation in August.