According to latest figures reported in a Diabetes UK study, which was released to mark the World Diabetes Day, over 800,000 diabetics across the country are currently risking blindness, heart disease and kidney failure because of their inability to keep blood sugar levels under control. The study analyzed over 2 million diabetics over the age of 17, and concluded that as many as 34% were not "hitting their recommended blood glucose levels".

It has been established that for diabetics to curb the long term ill-effects of the condition, their blood sugar levels have to be between 6.5% and 7.5% of the normal level. With the report, Diabetes UK is looking to spread awareness about the condition and its long term effects, the risk for which can be cut by following an active lifestyle and making some important dietary changes.

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK said, "It is absolutely appalling that one in three people with diabetes are struggling to achieve their blood glucose targets. Diabetes complications are estimated to cost the NHS around ￡1 million an hour and can have a devastating effect on people's quality of life. It is vital that all of the 2.6 million people with diabetes are armed with the knowledge and confidence to manage their diabetes effectively".

The charity's report has followed a recent study conducted by Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation which revealed that most of the people did not know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. To spread awareness about the condition, the Government is now looking to pursue a drive, which would also ensure that everyone with diabetes gets a care plan by 2010.