Diabetes type 2 symptoms: Three 'painful sensations' in the feet that signal blood sugar

Type 2 diabetes means your body does not produce enough insulin or the insulin it does produce is not absorbed by the cells. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar - the main type of sugar found in blood. If left unregulated, blood sugar levels spiral out of control, inflicting damage on the body.

A GP can diagnose diabetes.

"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 NHS.

What's more, the earlier diabetes is diagnosed and treatment started, the better.

"Early treatment reduces your risk of other health problems," notes the NHS.

The ones to watch are carbohydrates, which are broken down into blood glucose (sugar) relatively fast.

The worst offenders rank high on the glycaemic index (GI) - a rating system for foods containing carbohydrates.

It shows how quickly each food affects your blood sugar (glucose) level when that food is eaten on its own.

They include:

Sugar and sugary foods

Sugary soft drinks

White bread

Potatoes

White rice.