Then Mrs Theuma had a free health check at a travelling Scienceworks exhibition and was told to see her doctor immediately.

"I saw my GP and was diagnosed straight away," she says. But unlike many people with diabetes, Mrs Theuma's condition is genetic and not related to lifestyle.

She has to check her blood sugar up to six times a day, and she carefully watches what she eats and tries to be as active as possible. She says knowledge of the chronic disease and how to manage it are essential for sufferers.

"Diabetes is always in the background, but you don't let it rule your life. I get annoyed when people say, 'Should you be eating that?' I always count the carbohydrates and work out what I can eat."

Mrs Theuma urges anyone who thinks they have symptoms common to diabetes to see a GP and not fear the diagnosis.

"After you're diagnosed, you're in control [of the condition] and know you're in control."

She is one of many who use the Bacchus Marsh and Melton Diabetes Support Group to help them manage their condition.

As well as guest speakers and contact with diabetes nurses, the group has a resource library and the latest health information on all aspects of diabetes.