Quiz: Do I have diabetes?

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About diabetes

Diabetes is on the rise, with 4.6 million adults currently diagnosed with the condition in the UK alone, according to Diabetes UK. Around 10% of sufferers have type 1 diabetes - an autoimmune condition in which the body stops producing insulin. However, 90% of cases are type 2 diabetes, usually caused by poor diet and lifestyle choices (although family history and ethnicity can also increase your risk).

Who is this quiz for?

If you're concerned that you might be experiencing some of the symptoms of diabetes, or know that you may be at risk of the condition, this quiz should help you discover whether you are exhibiting some of the symptoms and evaluate your risk. If you suspect you may have or may be developing diabetes, it's important to get a check-up as soon as possible.

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Who is at risk?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and as yet the triggers for this condition are unknown. However, type 2 diabetes has a number of risk factors, including being overweight or obese, living a sedentary lifestyle, or eating an unhealthy, high-calorie diet. "With type 2 diabetes your body's still producing at least some insulin (which helps our cells to utilise glucose) but you can't respond to it - you've lost that sensitivity."

"If the system gets overworked - eating the wrong things, eating too frequently, too much - the system gets worn out and we lose the sensitivity to it," explains Dr Jenna Macciochi, Doctor of Immunology at the University of Sussex.

Might I have diabetes and not realise?

With type 1 diabetes, the body stops producing insulin, meaning the effect on the body is usually rapid and noticeable. However, type 2 diabetes develops slowly - the body still produces insulin, but it may be insufficient, or the body might not respond to it properly. This means that the development of symptoms is gradual. "Symptoms for type 1 diabetes often develop very fast," explains Macciochi. "But with type 2 diabetes you may not even know you have it, as symptoms can be very subtle."

What does the test consist of?

The test consists of nine questions, looking at symptoms you may have noticed. Using the data, you will then be given advice on whether to seek help.

How accurate is it?

The only conclusive test for diabetes is a blood test. However, the quiz should give you an indication of whether to seek urgent help, or whether to raise the issue at your next GP appointment.