More than four million people have diabetes in the UK - but hundreds of thousands more are likely to have the condition without yet knowing it.
That's according to figures from Diabetes UK. The majority of people - around nine in 10 - have type 2 diabetes, which is the version of the disease which is often, thought not always, associated with health issues like obesity. High blood sugar is often a sign of "prediabetes", too. And keeping track of those factors is a key way in which people can increase their chances of preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes itself
The condition can, in turn, lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease or stroke, according to NHS guidance. High blood sugar - hyperglycaemia - can also over a sustained period of time lead to permanent damage to parts of the body such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels.
Read more: Cleadon man 'determined' to stay healthy after showing type 2 diabetes can be reversed
According to the NHS, two common symptoms occur within the mouth. These are a dry mouth and a breath that smells "fruity". Other warning signs include increased thirst, needing to urinate more frequently, and feeling or being sick. Tiredness, blurred vision and unintentional weight loss could also be warning signs.
The NHS also lists tummy pain and recurrent infections such as thrush, bladder infections (cystitis) and skin infections, as symptoms. As symptoms of hyperglycaemia can also be caused by undiagnosed diabetes, the NHS advises you see a GP if this applies to you. Many people, it says, have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because the early symptoms tend to be general.
Diabetes UK advice says: "[Type 2 diabetes] can come on slowly, usually over the age of 40. The signs may not be obvious, or there may be no signs at all, therefore it might be up to 10 years before you find out you have it. That’s why it’s very important to know the diabetes risk factors." The charity explains these include having a "sedentary lifestyle" and carrying excess weight "especially around your middle".
However, a range of other factors can also play a role in raising your risk of diabetes - these include race and age. Diabetes UK explains that risk rises for white people over 40 and those who are African-Caribbean, Black African, or South Asian and over 25. High blood pressure, smoking, and mental health conditions including depression and schizophrenia also add to your risk.
Recent research has shown that type 2 diabetes can in some cases be reversible. A game-changing medical trial led by Newcastle University' s Prof Roy Taylor has shown that by changing diet, type 2 diabetes can be "put into remission".
Have you experienced any of the symptoms of hyperglycaemia? Let us know in the comments below
