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Diabetes type 2 is caused by the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, according to the NHS.

Without enough insulin, the body struggles to convert sugar in the blood into useable energy.

“Type 2 diabetes symptoms will often develop gradually and may not always show symptoms at an earlier stage,” said Diabetes.co.uk.

“It is important to catch the symptoms as early as possible to limit damage to the body.

“The presence of type 2 diabetes prevents the body from being able to lower blood glucose levels as efficiently as in people without diabetes.

“For this reason, the symptoms of type 2 diabetes may be more noticeable following meals.”

The most common signs of diabetes include feeling tired during the day (fatigue), and passing more urine than normal - particularly during the night.

Feeling constantly thirsty, or having an unquenchable thirst may also be a sign of the high blood sugar condition.

Slow healing cuts and sudden weight loss may also be signs of type 2 diabetes.

You could also be at risk of the condition if you often have itchy skin - particularly around the genitals.

You could lower your risk of developing diabetes by eating healthy, balanced diet, the NHS said.

If you’re overweight, losing a few pounds could help to lower your chances of diabetes.

Making small lifestyle changes could help to control symptoms, if you’ve already been diagnosed with the condition.

It could also help to prevent diabetes complications, which can include kidney failure, vision loss and cardiovascular disease.

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