However, in most cases, diabetes can be avoided. Even people with a genetic risk of developing it can take steps to minimise the risk.

'The only thing worse than finding out that you have diabetes is not finding out that you have diabetes' -
Andrew Mandell, American health campaigner

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of glucose in the blood is too high. This happens because the body cannot use the glucose properly. It's possible to have high levels of glucose for several years before noticing any symptoms, this can lead to serious damage to the heart and kidneys so make sure you know what the signs and symptoms are.

Glucose is a sugar; it is our prime source of energy and our brains can't function without it. Our digestive system turns the carbohydrates that we eat into glucose. This is then distributed throughout the body by the bloodstream (hence the term 'blood sugar'). Spare glucose is stored in the liver and in muscles and it is also stored as fat.

Keeping the correct level of glucose in the blood is vital. This is the job of insulin, which is a hormone produced in the pancreas.

There are two main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 – when the pancreas produces no insulin.
• Type 2 – when the pancreas produces insufficient insulin, or it produces enough, but it is not used properly by the body.

Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin dependent diabetes. It is usually identified in childhood and is treated through diet, exercise and daily insulin injections

Type 2 diabetes is also known as non insulin dependent diabetes or 'late onset' diabetes. It usually affects people over the age of 40, but is becoming more common in younger people. It can be treated through diet and exercise and also through tablets and occasionally insulin injections.

The aim of treatment is to keep glucose levels and blood pressure at normal levels.

Over three quarters of people with diabetes have Type 2. This used to be known as 'maturity' or 'late onset' diabetes because it usually appears in middle age. It is a mistake to think Type 2 diabetes as a milder form of the condition, because all diabetes can lead to serious health problems. Spotting it early makes this less likely.