A Radlett man is backing a new national campaign from World Diabetes Day highlighting the importance of diabetes education.

Phil Bigwood, 49, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabeters when he was 10-years-old and the father-of-two was totally reliant on the hospital to make all the decisions.

Diabetes UK’s new Taking Control campaign highlights the huge difference diabetes education courses can make.

Mr Bigwood said: “Managing diabetes can be demanding and it’s really not easy, especially when you don’t understand what is happening.

“But the diabetes education course I attended really was life changing. It gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to confidently manage my diabetes on a day to day basis.

“I do not let it stop me doing anything I want to do. I travel the world for my job and am busy living my life to the full.”

Working as a producer on BBC Match of the Day, Mr Bigwood works in the fast-paced and demanding environment.

Sharon Roberts, Eastern Regional Manager at Diabetes UK, said: “We have launched our Taking Control campaign to highlight the importance of good quality diabetes education.

“We want to encourage everyone in Hertfordshire who is living with diabetes to go and ask their healthcare professional for information about a diabetes education course.

“The campaign also calls on the NHS to make sure that everyone with diabetes has access to the education and support they need to manage their diabetes well.

“Everyone with diabetes should have access to education from the moment of diagnosis and then throughout their lives.”

There are around 25,000 people living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group’s area which includes Radlett.