DIABETES is "the fastest growing health epidemic" of our time, experts said today.
Yet, millions of people, as many as one in two sufferers, are unaware they are suffering the disease.
SCROLL DOWN TO TAKE THE TEST
But this simple NHS test could help you determine if you are at risk of developing the life-long health condition that affects around 3.5 million people in the UK.
The test will take you less than five minutes and at the end will give you your estimated risk level of developing the disease, which is caused by high levels of glucose in the blood.
All you have to do is answer seven simple questions.
And as today marks World Diabetes Day, what better time is there to assess your health?
An estimated 65 people per day in the UK will die early from the conditions and hundreds more will suffer life-changing complications such as amputation, blindness, heart attack and stroke, new analysis by Diabetes UK has found.
On top of that, experts estimate there are 549,000 people living with diabetes who do not yet know it.
According to the charity, such complications can often be avoided or delayed if people with diabetes are supported and the condition is managed well.
Chris Askew, chief executive of Diabetes UK, said: "Diabetes is a killer.
"It’s a serious condition with serious, life-threatening complications. And it is the fastest-growing epidemic of our time.
"The more you know about diabetes, the better.
"Cutting your risk of developing devastating complications is crucial.
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"You can talk things through with our specialist helpline team who really understand diabetes, and, make sure you’re getting all of the 15 vital checks and services you’re entitled to from the NHS."
The charity is calling on the Government and the NHS to address low take-up of life-saving diabetes education courses.
In people diagnosed with diabetes, their pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin, or not enough insulin.
Insulin is a hormone typically produced by the pancreas and allows glucose to enter the cells in the body, where it’s used for energy.
People diagnosed with diabetes are unable to make proper use of glucose, so it builds up in the blood and can’t be used as energy.
There are two types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2.
The distinction lies in what is causing the lack of insulin – often described as the key, that allows glucose to unlock the door to the cells
Type 2 diabetes is the more common form of the disease – accounting for between 85 and 95 per cent of all cases, according to Diabetes UK.
It develops when the insulin-producing cells in the body are unable to produce enough insulin.
It can also be triggered when the insulin that is produced doesn’t work properly.
Mr Askew added: "Diabetes is set to rise dramatically in the next five years, so it is vital diabetes is more widely understood, and governments and health bodies listen and take action.
"Significant investment in diabetes care and prevention by UK and national governments and the NHS, begins to recognise the scale of the challenge.
"This needs to be sustained to provide enough effective care for everyone living with diabetes and tackling the rapid rise of Type 2.
"As a charity, we have ambitious plans to tackle the diabetes crisis. Our work is only made possible through the generosity of our supporters."
To take the NHS Choices diabetes test, click here.
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