TENS of thousands of Scots with diabetes risk losing their sight and even their lives because they won't follow doctor's orders to "keep taking the tablets".

Almost half of Scottish patients with Type 2 or "late onset" diabetes can control their condition with pills.

But an estimated 56,000 can't or won't take the drugs that can prevent serious damage to the blood circulation that can cause fatal complications, says charity Diabetes UK.

It says many don't take their tablets because they don't understand what they are for or realise the long-term health benefits of the drugs.

But some feel they would appear stupid if they asked their doctor or nurse for advice, while others get confused because they take a range of pills for various conditions.

Audrey Birt, charity director, said: "It is a tragedy that such a high proportion of people are not taking their prescribed medication.

"Many people struggle to realise the importance of taking their medicines, especially if the consequences are not immediately apparent despite the fact damage caused is irreparable."

Ms Birt said effectively controlling their condition would more than half a patient's risk of heart disease and cut the danger of kidney or eye problems by a third.