Type 2 diabetes is, unfortunately, an increasing health risk for many adults and teenagers. It develops when your body can’t produce enough insulin, or when the insulin that is produced doesn’t work effectively and, if left untreated, can cause very serious health problems.
According to Diabetes.co.uk, more than 2.7 million people in the UK are currently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes whilst a further 750,000 people are believed to have the symptoms but are yet to be diagnosed with the disease.
In addition to this, it's estimated that 400 people are diagnosed with diabetes each day.
In a recent interview on The Better Show, US Navy family physician Dr Andy Baldwin discusses the worrying increase in type 2 diabetes cases - particularly as children and teenagers are suffering increasingly from an illness which was originally prevalent in just adults.
He offers tips on how to spot symptoms of the disease, some of which include: a frequent need to urinate, being thirsty all of the time, as well as experiencing tingling in your hands, feet and legs.
Baldwin also comments that diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease or blindness; meaning there is a great need to try and stay healthy, particularly if you suffer from the condition.
But, he stresses, there are ways to manage diabetes and ensure that you live a "long and productive life" if you suffer from the illness. Exercising, introducing structured diet plans and/or seeing a dietician can all help manage the problem. And, if all else prevails, there is always medication.
For more information on type 2 diabetes go to Diabetes UK. Additionally, if you are worried that you may have diabetes then contact your GP.