MILLIONS of people around the world will come together today to raise awareness of diabetes and what it is really like to live with the condition.

But less is known about the pioneering work being carried out on our doorstep to find new ways to tackle the disease, one of the fastest-growing healths threat of our times.

Tonight, Oxford's Magdalen Tower will be lit up in blue for the first time to mark World Diabetes Day, while an open event is planned at the Churchill Hospital for people to learn about cutting-edge research into the condition being carried out by Oxford University and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Scientists and clinicians at The Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism work all year round to advance care and treatments.

Dr Garry Tan, consultant physician and clinical lead at OCDEM, said: "There is lots which can be done, from prevention of diabetes through to new medications for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, all of which should be underpinned by education and support to enable people to live well with their diabetes.

"Oxford is one of the leading centres in the world for research into diabetes and we will be opening our doors to people to come and find out what is happening."

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar to become too high, of which type 2 – where the body does not produce enough insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar – is by far the most common, affecting more than 2.7m people in the UK.

Retired caterer Peter Smith, of Cuddesdon, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes more than 30 years ago after seeing his GP for an unrelated allergic reaction.

The 67-year-old, who takes regular medication to control his blood sugar, said: "I suppose I feel lucky; had I not have had those tests because I happened to have a rash, it's conceivable I might have gone through my whole life not aware I had diabetes. "

In January Mr Smith signed up to his first ever clinical trial for GlaxoSmithKline in which a blood sugar-lowering drug called albiglutide is being tested.

For the next five years he will inject himself once a week either with albiglutide or a 'dummy' placebo drug, visiting the Churchill every eight to ten weeks for tests.

He said: "I work on the basis that if nobody did this nothing would ever advance. When you get to my age you think you might as well give something back.

"If someone hadn't been involved in some trials over the years I wouldn't be taking the medication I am now. I would definitely encourage others to take part."

Landmarks including the Big Ben and Sydney Opera House will be bathed in blue until 10pm tonight to promote the importance of screening for early diabetes diagnosis.

Friday's open event will be held at the OCDEM centre in the Churchill Hospital, featuring interactive stalls and the chance to meet scientists, nurses and doctors.

The event runs from 2pm to 6pm and visitors will also learn about opportunities to take part in research in years to come.