SOON after his diabetes diagnosis, David Parks vowed not to allow the condition to define him.

The damage was done and he would have to deal with the condition for the rest of his days.

“You can’t get rid of diabetes,” said the father-of-two from Swindon. “It’s with you for life. I just had to accept it.

“I focused on being healthy. I wanted to live an active life and I knew I had to look after myself. You just have to be positive.”

David experienced his first ‘hypo’ episode – when blood sugar levels reach an alarming low – at the age of 52.

He was taking a walk when he suddenly felt as though his legs were about to give out. A blood test revealed he had Type 2 diabetes.

Fifteen years on the retired accountant still takes five pills each day to manage the condition and monitors his blood sugar levels, and is now aiming to highlight the condition ahead of Diabetes Awareness Week.

Keen to raise awareness of diabetes and the complications associated with the condition, Last year he became a risk assessor for national charity Diabetes UK. This sees him take part in roadshows and assess people’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

“It can be scary for some people,”said the 67-year-old. “They’d rather not know. If they don’t know about it, it’s not there. But there are so many complications. It’s dangerous.”

“It can be overwhelming. But if you know what the problem is, you’re halfway to solving it.”

Diabetes Awareness Week will take place between June 14 and June 20. to find out more, visit diabetes.org.uk.