In the teleserial Anġli (TVM, January 24), a young girl was diagnosed with diabetes.

May I point out that a number of inaccuracies were shown in the course of the programme. The onset of type 1 diabetes is very rapid and is immediately diagnosed, especially in young children, contrary to what was suggested in the series, namely that type 1 diabetes could be diagnosed after a number of years.

Furthermore, in the case of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar),patients – both young and old – are taught to recognise the symptoms of low blood sugar levels so that it can be dealt with immediately in order to prevent serious consequences.

In this episode, the advice given by the ‘doctor’ to the mother of the young girl that she could have frequent unconscious episodes due to the lowering of her blood sugar is very exaggerated and does not reflect what a person with type 1 diabetes really experiences.

The Maltese Diabetes Association has received a number of complaints by parents of children with diabetes on the distorted picture portrayed in the latest edition of Anġli. One would expect the scriptwriter to verify facts before putting pen to paper.

This is a very sensitive subject and should be treated with the utmost caution and discretion, in order to avoid passing on the wrong message.