Along with high blood pressure, diabetes is known by some as the silent killer because the first symptoms of diabetes are virtually undetectable.

The most common first symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination and greater thirst.

This is a rather chicken and egg situation as the more liquid someone drinks, the more they want to urinate causing dehydration and thus the urge to drink more. The frequent urination is caused by excessive glucose in the blood which builds up because the sugar isn't distributed to the body's cells properly to be used as fuel. When the sugar level exceeds a certain amount it seeps into the urine taking water along with it thus building up more urine and the need to get rid of it.

If someone frequently eats spicy or salty food washed down with lots of beer, they may not notice the difference between their body's normal behaviour and the first symptoms of diabetes.

Someone developing the disease may experience feelings of extreme hunger resulting in overeating. Despite the frequent intake of large quantities of food, they will still be hungry.

Unexplained weight loss, particularly if the person often eats large meals, is another of the first symptoms of diabetes. Again, this is because sugar isn't reaching the cells to provide energy so the body uses up stored fat which causes hunger.

Due to the lack of fuel, someone developing diabetes may well feel tired and breathless after very little exertion. Energy is reduced and lethargy and inertia can result making someone feel as if they can't be bothered to do anything, even go to work. This in turn can result in moodiness and depression as well as a lowered resistance to disease.

Blurred vision can be another symptom. Someone experiencing this should visit a qualified optician, who will be able to tell if the cause is actually because of a problem with the eyes or because of the onset of diabetes.