Diabetes is a chronic metabolic syndrome that has a huge impact on the health, quality of life and life expectancy of patients, whilst imposing a heavy burden on the health care system. 

The number of people with diabetes is ever-increasing, due to the rising incidence of obesity worldwide. Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 85% of the ~2.35 million patients with diabetes in the UK. 

Diagnosing and treating diabetes is a challenge in terms of staffing levels and resources due to the increasing prevalence of the disease and the need for a multidisciplinary approach, as well as newer and costlier options available for treatment.