A survey of people with type 2 diabetes across Europe reveals that those in the UK have the worst blood glucose control.
The Choose Control survey of over 800 people across Europe found that in the UK over three-quarters of people with diabetes wrongly believe their condition is well managed and over half believe it is 'mild'.
The International Diabetes Federation warned that the long-term consequences if the disease is not controlled properly include blindness.
'There is no such thing as mild diabetes,' said Simon O'Neill, director of care, information and advocacy services at Diabetes UK. 'Diabetes is a serious condition, yet this European survey highlights that this message is failing to get through. People with diabetes need to better understand the risks they face and work in partnership with their healthcare professionals to better control their condition.'