Are you familiar with the controversial 'Silent Assassin' advertising campaign distributed by Diabetes UK last fall?

Some complained that the disturbing imagery went too far in the organization's efforts to bring awareness to the seriousness of diabetes and its complications.

One poster showed a man collapsed on the ground appearing to be dead, while a creepy phantom-like figure prepared to kick him. The large text stated, "Diabetes. Beware the silent assassin."

In a second poster, a woman in a supermarket is reaching for food while a shadowy figure is lunging at her throat. "Diabetes. Beware the silent assassin."

The third ad shows a man coming off an escalator while a shadowy demon descends upon him from behind with outstretched arms and fingers. "Diabetes. Beware the silent assassin."

OK, this would absolutely scare the crap out of Charlie. And if Charlie's sister saw one of these posters? Forget about it.

"Mom! Dad! Sorry! Nick Jonas needs me!" she'd say, flying out the front door with a suitcase.

See the ads for yourself (scroll down on the first page). What do you think?

That was one of the main concerns of parents of children with diabetes and of parents with diabetes in the UK. Others complained that the ads didn't differentiate between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The complaints were directed to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in London and a verdict was released last week. I was surprised, however, to see that only 16 complaints were filed with the Advertising Standards Authority. I'd love to hear from people who saw these posters first-hand.

Following an investigation, the ASA OK'd the advertising campaign, concluding that the ads were "unlikely to cause fear or distress to people with diabetes who led healthy lifestyles, were aware of the risks of their condition and were managing their diabetes properly."

But … but … but …

What about the children???

What about the nightmares?

What about the bullies at school who target the kids with diabetes? "Look out, Jacob! The diabetes monster is about to get you! Run, Jacob, run! Woops, my mistake; was just your shadow on the wall there. Ha!"

"If children with diabetes or who had parents with diabetes were initially concerned by the ads, we considered their parents ought to be able to explain the reasons behind the campaign and could reassure them that they could 'learn how to beat it,' as the posters instructed."

Learn how to beat it? Are you nuts? I can't tell him that! This isn't Donkey Kong! It can't be beaten.

Sure, I'll explain to Charlie why his tummy hurts after a night of high blood sugars that had nothing to do with a healthy lifestyle and nothing to do with proper management of the disease.

"Sorry, Charlie, you were attacked by the evil shadow people again. They came in through the window."