The number of people with type 2 diabetes is expected to exceed the five million mark by 2030. The number of people that officially have diabetes is estimated to be one million off the actual figure. Both this discrepancy and rise can be attributed in part to the way we prioritise imminent danger.

Human evolution has hardwired us to process pain and find ways to avoid it.

This instinct is invaluable for survival but it proves to be a bug when it comes to chronic diseases, such as diabetes.

Diabetes symptoms do not usually cause pain or make you unwell so it is easy to be blindsided to its damaging effects.

The symptoms, however subtle, should not be ignored because they usually signal something serious is up.

According to Doctor Aragona Giuseppe, GP and medical advisor at Prescription Doctor, one subtle symptom that may spell serious problems is needing to urinate more than usual, particularly at night.

According to Dr Giuseppe, the reason for increased urination is because when you have diabetes the excess glucose builds up in your blood and your kidneys are made to work overtime to filter and absorb the excess glucose, hence the need to wee more often.

This is also the reason why people become more thirsty with type 2 diabetes – another telltale sign something serious is up, she explained.

“When your kidneys can’t keep up this excess glucose is excreted into your urine which takes fluids from your bodily tissues which then leaves you dehydrated, meaning you are constantly thirsty,” said Dr Giuseppe.

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Other serious warning signs include:

• Feeling lethargic and tired
• Itchiness around your genitalia, or repeatedly getting vaginal thrush,
• Cuts or wounds that take long to heal and blurred or worsening vision
• Losing weight rapidly.

As Dr Giuseppe explained, the reason people with type 2 diabetes lose weight more rapidly is because the low levels of insulin prevents the body from getting glucose from the blood and into the body’s cells to use as energy, this means that the body starts burning fat and muscle for energy which means rapid weight-loss.

What to do if you recognise these symptoms

According to the NHS, see a GP if:

• You have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes
• You’re worried you may have a higher risk of getting it

“You’ll need a blood test, which you may have to go to your local health centre for if it cannot be done at your GP surgery,” explains the health body.

As it points out, the earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treatment started, the better.

What happens next

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you are usually recommended to make lifestyle changes to control your blood sugar levels.

High blood sugar levels are a constant threat if you have type 2 diabetes but you can stabilise your blood sugar by making healthy dietary decisions.

There’s technically nothing you cannot eat if you have type 2 diabetes, but you’ll have to limit certain foods.

Generally you should avoid starchy items, such as white pasta and bread because these foods can send blood sugar levels soaring.

That’s because simple carbohydrates are broken down into glucose (blood sugar) relatively quickly.

In addition, physical exercise helps lower your blood sugar level.

“You should aim for 2.5 hours of activity a week,” advises the NHS.

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