Diabetes can take years to diagnose

There are two main types of diabetes.

Type 1 is more common in younger people and usually needs treatment with insulin, while type 2 is more common in people over 40, though in recent years, cases have also been seen in young adults, teenagers and children.

Being overweight – especially if you are large around the middle – making unhealthy food choices and not getting enough exercise increases your risk.

You are also more at risk if you have a close family member with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by reduced production of, or resistance to, insulin causing abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood and often requires the use of medication to keep blood sugar levels under control.

The symptoms may not be obvious, or there may be no symptoms at all.

“The symptoms may not be obvious, or there may be no symptoms at all”

Therefore it can be years before you find out you have it. Symptoms can include: urinating more often than usual, particularly at night; feeling very thirsty; increased tiredness; unexplained weight loss; and blurred vision.

High levels of sugar in the blood over a long period of time can cause damage to your heart, eyes, feet and kidneys.

There are 1 million people living with diabetes who do not know they have it because they have not yet been diagnosed.

This is why it is important you understand your risk. For more information, go to riskscore.diabetes.org. uk/start.

If you think you may have diabetes, see your GP as soon as possible.

Early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce your risk of developing complications in the future.

You can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating well and being active.