Silent Assassin campaign
The campaign has been developed after consultation with members of the public and people with diabetes. Diabetes UK believes that these powerful messages are vital to raise awareness with the general public and for the many people with diabetes who are suffering unnecessarily because they underestimate the seriousness of the condition.
Background research
Research undertaken by Mori shows that many people underestimate the seriousness of diabetes. For example, only 29 per cent of adults are aware of the link with heart disease and less than half (46 per cent) realise that diabetes leads to a shortened life expectancy.
This research tells us that the public see diabetes as rather mild and easily managed – something of an inconvenience rather than the serious condition it can be. This misconception means that primary care trusts don’t always provide adequate funding for diabetes care and the amount of money that is given to diabetes research is tiny compared with other conditions.
Raising awareness
One of the main aims of the campaign is to raise awareness among the general public and government decision-makers. We need their support if we are to make a big difference for people with diabetes in the future. We need their respect and understanding of the problems we face. And we need their help financially to continue to develop the wide range of work we do for people with diabetes.
Diabetes is serious
The campaign aims to make people view diabetes as serious. This will lead to:
- greater understanding among the public
- increased financial support to help research and those with the condition
- more influence when dealing with government to improve the lives of people with diabetes.