Some 350,000 Irish people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next two decades, however many are unaware of this, Diabetes Ireland has warned.

According to the charity, which provides support and education to people with diabetes, latest international figures estimate that over 225,000 people in Ireland already have diabetes. However, thousands more are at risk of developing the condition in the coming years.

Yet despite repeated calls urging people to live a healthier lifestyle, many ignore this advice ‘and are then surprised when they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, or suffer a heart attack, stroke or similar', the charity said.

It pointed out that almost three in four cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by adopting a healthier lifestyle, and even just eating a healthier breakfast has been shown to decrease the risk.

However, delayed diagnoses mean that many people already have at least one complication of diabetes by the time they discover they have the disease.

"Type 2 diabetes is an epidemic that can only be controlled by individuals identifying their own risk profile and taking action to prevent, or at least delay its onset, through making healthier lifestyle choices today. Each day, I see people with diabetes who would love to tell others to take action now and protect their future health," commented Dr Anna Clarke, health promotion officer with Diabetes Ireland.

In an attempt to highlight this, the charity has launched a new online type 2 diabetes risk assessment test. This quick test will help people gauge their risk of developing the disease.

Those taking the test simply have to answer a series of questions. On completion, they will be offered information on what they can do to reduce their risk of developing the condition or ensure early diagnosis.

The test is not a diagnosis and anyone who gets a ‘high risk' result will be encouraged to attend their GP immediately for testing.

Diabetes Ireland is calling on anyone with a family history of diabetes, who is over 40, overweight or does not get 30 minutes of exercise per day, to take the test.

"Some 35% of people who take positive action can avoid developing type 2 diabetes and I would encourage all people over 40 years to take the test. It takes two minutes and can be the start of your move to a new positive healthier you," Dr Clarke added.

The test can be found on Diabetes Ireland's website here