Actress Tara Moran, who has been a regular face on our TV screens since 1987, starring in a variety of programmes including Eastenders and Casualty, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of six. Tara said: "I've lived with diabetes for most of my life and testing has become second nature. I have however seen the dangers of not testing regularly, and realise that I am able to live my life to the full because I check myself everyday, throughout the day. Without regular checking I would be playing with my health and that's not something anyone with diabetes should risk."

In my teens I went through a difficult stage when I found it hard to accept my condition. I was lucky enough to have my mother around, who trained as a Diabetes Specialist Nurse and who encouraged me to test my blood glucose levels from the outset."

Whether patients have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, it is important for all those with the condition to maintain tight glucose controls and take daily responsibility for their own health control their diabetes. Careful control by regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, combined with a balanced diet based around complex carbohydrates and regular exercise, will help to ensure the avoid fluctuations caused by factors like poor diet, exercise or stress.

All Roche Diagnostics blood glucose meters, are designed to enable people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels according to their unique needs and lifestyles. These include the no fuss Accu-Chek Compact which actress Tara Moran uses, which has a unique built-in 17-strip drum that eliminates the need to carry separate strips.

Find out more about Accu-Chek Compact.