Type 2 diabetes tends to be common in people who are overweight and aren’t very active.
Left untreated, the condition can result in serious health problems, such as kidney failure and heart disease.
One way to prevent type 2 diabetes developing in the first place, or to control the condition if you’ve been diagnosed, is to eat a healthy, balanced diet.
So when it comes to the first meal of the day, breakfast, what should you eat and what should you avoid?
Three recommendations are made by Diabetes UK – these are red meat, sugary cereal and white bread.
Red meat
If a savoury breakfast is your favourite you should always opt for grilling instead of frying as this cuts down on calories. Too many calories can result in weight gain, which is a risk factor for the condition.
The Diabetes charity advises: “Try and avoid red meat and instead use oily fish such as heart-protecting salmon or kippers.
“They’re delicious served with scrambled egg, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms and wholegrain toast.
“You could also try topping wholegrain toast wit scrambled egg or egg bhurji, avocado, cottage cheese with edamame beans and tomatoes, or grilled tomatoes and mushrooms.”
Examples of popular red meats which are eaten at breakfast are sausages and bacon.
Sugary cereal
Make sure to read what is actually contained in cereals, as packaging can be deceiving, warns the charity.
It advises: “Although the packaging may make some cereals – like granola and cereal clusters – appear healthy, they are often full of sugar and fat.
“Instead, why not switch to porridge? Porridge oats or the instant variety are both fine – just avoid those with added sugar, honey, golden syrup or cocoa powder.
“Wheat biscuits, shredded wheat or muesli (with no added sugar) are also great alternatives. For sweetness add chopped fruit.”
White bread
Bread is a source of carbohydrate, and during digestion carbohydrate is broken down into glucose, which is used by the cells of the body as their main source of energy.
This means too much carbohydrate can cause blood sugar to spike.
The charity says: “Switch from white toast to wholegrain versions like seeded batch bread, multi-seed, granary, soya and linseeds.
“These are better for your diabetes and digestive health. They’re more filling, too.”
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes? Having ketones in your urine could be a warning sign.