Half a million people across the UK could have diabetes without knowing it, according to the Diabetes and Wellness Foundation. That is on top of the 4milloon already diagnosed.
The Diabetes and Wellness Foundation says that nine in every 10 people with Type 2 diabetes could prevent and reduce the illness with lifestyle changes. Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease or stroke, according to the NHS.
High blood sugar can cause diabetes, and if you have high blood sugar for a long period of time, it can also result in permanent damage to parts of the body such as the eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels, reports The Echo. Two common symptoms of high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycaemia, 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 stomach 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.
