Diabetes Week will this year aim to share the truth about diabetes by challenging misconceptions and educating people about life with the condition.

The annual UK-wide initiative, organised by charity Diabetes UK, will focus on the theme of ‘Setting the Record Straight’, aiming to dispel common myths and misconceptions.

The campaign aims to educate the public about what it’s like to live with diabetes, and invites people to share their stories, facts and videos.

According to GP patient data released in January 2016, the number of people suffering with diabetes in the UK has now reached an all-time high of 4.05 million people.

Poor management of diabetes can lead to serious medical complications such as amputation, heart disease, kidney failure and stroke. According to Diabetes UK, there are more than 7,000 diabetes-related amputations each year and 80 percent of these could be prevented.

Madeleine Pinschof, senior clinical negligence solicitor at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “With an estimated 4 million diabetes sufferers UK-wide, Diabetes Week is an important opportunity to raise awareness of a condition that effects a staggering number of people in the UK.

“Each year, thousands of people with diabetes suffer serious and often preventable medical complications as a result of poorly managed diabetes. The government must ensure the NHS is properly resourced so that staff are able to deliver essential diabetes care to patients, while educating people with diabetes about how they can manage their condition, prevent life-changing complications and ultimately save the NHS money.”