One in every 15 people in Ireland is thought to have diabetes, however many are unaware of this, Diabetes Ireland has warned.

The charity is hosting two major events over the coming week, including the country's largest type 2 diabetes screening day, which will take place on World Diabetes Day (November 14).

This event will take place in Dundrum Town Centre in south Dublin and the aim is to assess 500 people on that day.

Diabetes Ireland, along with healthcare company MSD Ireland, has been offering free screening in pharmacies nationwide since 2014. In that time, over 3,500 members of the public have been screened.

"The aim of World Diabetes Day 2017 at Dundrum is to alert at least 500 members of the public of their type 2 diabetes risk, bringing the total number of people screened as part of the initiative to 4,000," the charity noted.

Free assessments for type 2 diabetes, along with expert advice on effectively preventing or managing the condition, will be available to shoppers from 10am to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, November 14. The free screening will be held on the third floor of the centre.

"We're encouraging everyone who has diabetes or is worried they might be at risk to come down to Dundrum Town Centre on World Diabetes Day and speak to one of our experts. Early detection of type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes allows an invaluable opportunity to take control of your health and wellbeing, even halting the impact of type 2 diabetes when you take a healthier approach to life," explained Diabetes Ireland health promotion and research manager, Dr Anna Clarke.

Meanwhile, this Sunday (November 12), the charity is also holding a major education meeting aimed at people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

This event will take place in Dublin city from 2-4.30pm and will see diabetes experts presenting on a number of topics such as the latest type 1 research, the connection between diabetes and liver disease and how to maximise app technology to manage diabetes effectively.

All are welcome to this event and no booking is required. Speakers will include consultant endocrinologist, Prof Seamus Sreenan, consultant gastroenterologist, Prof Suzanne Norris and clinical psychologist, Mary Morrissey.

This event takes place at Chartered Accountants House, 47-49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2.

Prior to the education meeting, Diabetes Ireland will also hold its AGM, at which the winner of its biggest ever raffle will be announced. The charity is giving away a car and tickets can be purchased online here. One ticket costs just €5, while a book of six tickets costs €25.

All money raised will be used to fund diabetes services nationwide. An estimated 225,000 people have diabetes in Ireland, however the charity receives just 50% of the funding it requires from the HSE, relying on fundraising and membership fees for the remainder.