'Here are the signs I wish I had known were diabetes'

Diabetes affects millions of people in the UK - but many of us may not recognise the early symptoms.

November 14 is World Diabetes Day, which aims to raise awareness of the disease and the benefits of early diagnosis, which 'can save lives, prevent a media emergency and reduce the risk of life-changing complications later'.

Liverpool Echo reporter Paul McAuley was diagnosed with the life-altering condition in 2011. Today, he is sharing what signs and symptoms he experienced for roughly a year prior to his diagnosis to help Diabetes UK with their mission to stop diabetes forever.

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I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on Valentine's Day 2011 - an easy date to remember. However, before this, I went through the majority, if not all of the major warning signs of diabetes.

The three I remember the most were weight loss, fatigue and an uncontrollable thirst which subsequently led to an uncontrollable bladder.

At the time, my change in weight wasn’t something I or anyone else noticed straight off the bat. I was on the chubbier side growing up and so it was assumed the weight loss was part and parcel of getting older and going through puberty.

However, it was being unable to eat or keep down any amount of food that was the first red flag. After no more than six or seven tablespoons of my dinner, I would be full up and even the smell of any more food would instantly put me in a bad mood.

My relationship with food was in stark contrast to what it was like with liquid drinks. We were inseparable for the best of eight months - like two peas in a