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If you've been needing to use the toilet more often than usual, it might be more than just too much coffee, and could be a sign you have a potentially fatal illness. Around 8.7 million people worldwide suffer from type 1 diabetes with an estimated 464,000 in the UK alone - and it's so important to spot the tell-tale signs as early as possible.

One of the little known symptons of the condition is frequent urination, also known as polyuria. This typically happens when high blood sugar levels forces the kidneys to filter and dump excess glucose into your urine, dragging water with it, and making you pee more often, especially at night.

Doctors remember the main signs as the 4 Ts - Thirst, Tiredness, Thinner and of course Toilet.

Peeing more might feel like a mild irritation, but in many cases, sufferers report needing to urinate more than what is typical, around four to eight times a day, and sometimes every 15 to 20 minutes.

Frequent urination also leads to you becoming increasingly thirsty. Your body loses fluid at a rapid rate, triggering dehydration and a near constant need to be drinking more, which in turn sees you using the loo too often - an endless cycle.

It's important to spot these symptoms early. If left undiagnosed and untreated, blood glucose levels can skyrocket which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

This can cause vomiting, dehydration, confusion, coma, and in severe cases death if not treated immediately.

So no, it's not annoying peeing, it's a red flag your body is struggling with sugar regulation. The sooner you get a blood test from your doctor, and it gets treated with insulin, the better chances you have of avoiding any major health complications.

For more information about type 1 diabetes, and for specialist medical advice, visit the NHS website.