Diabetes is a medical condition that causes an increase in blood sugar levels.
There are several other types of diabetes that are less common than type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Gestational diabetes: This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after giving birth. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
- MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young): This type of diabetes is a genetic form of diabetes that is diagnosed in younger individuals, typically before the age of 25. MODY is often misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults): LADA is a form of type 1 diabetes that is diagnosed in adults. It is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes because it develops more slowly.
- Secondary diabetes: This type of diabetes is caused by another medical condition, such as pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis, or as a side effect of certain medications.
It is important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific type of diabetes.
Symptoms of diabetes
The common symptoms of diabetes include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Recurrent infections
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, seek assistance by contacting 111.
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face
- Sudden blurred vision or loss of vision
- If you suspect a stroke or heart attack
- Seizures
- Severe allergic reactions
- Sudden, severe headache
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you or your child:
- Individuals at a higher risk for diabetes should undergo regular check-ups, as symptoms may not always be present.
- Have any unusual or persistent symptoms that are concerning.
- Experience any sudden or severe pain.
- Notice any changes in your health that are worrying you.
Causes of diabetes
Diabetes develops due to insulin deficiency or insulin resistance, leading to high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is usually autoimmune and cannot be prevented.
Risk factors for type 2 or gestational diabetes include weight, age, ethnicity, or family history.
By maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy weight, the risk of diabetes can be reduced.
Pre-diabetes (non-diabetic hyperglycaemia)
The presence of pre-diabetes may precede type 2 diabetes, but lifestyle changes can lower the risk.
Eligible individuals should consider participating in the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
In addition to lifestyle changes, it is important for individuals with diabetes to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels, take prescribed medication as directed by their healthcare provider, and attend regular check-ups to manage their condition effectively.
Treatment for diabetes
Treatment for diabetes depends on the type, including the use of insulin, dietary adjustments, physical activity, and medication.
Long-term complications of diabetes
Diabetes can lead to various health complications such as heart problems, kidney issues, nerve damage, vision problems, and gum disease.
Properly managing blood sugar levels can help reduce the risk of these complications.
Additional long-term complications:
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Stroke
- Foot ulcers
- Amputations
Diabetes symptoms are similar in both adults and children, can progress gradually, and may vary between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes:
- Fasting blood glucose test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- Random blood sugar test
- Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test
Who is more likely to get type 2 diabetes
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include age, ethnicity, family history, weight, and physical inactivity.
Other risk factors for type 2 diabetes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and a history of heart disease. Additionally, being overweight or obese can significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- If you suspect type 2 diabetes, seek medical attention as symptoms may not be obvious.
Check your risk
- Utilize resources like Diabetes UK’s Know Your Risk tool or undergo an NHS health check between 40 and 74 years old.
- Stay informed about your family history of diabetes or any other health conditions that may increase your risk.
- Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet to reduce your risk of developing diabetes.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly, especially if you have risk factors for diabetes.
- Consult with your healthcare provider to assess your individual risk and discuss any concerns you may have.
How type 2 diabetes is diagnosed
A blood test is essential for diagnosing type 2 diabetes and determining the appropriate treatment.
In addition to a blood test, other diagnostic tools may be used to confirm a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. These include:
- Checking your A1C levels: This test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This test measures how your body handles glucose after consuming a sugary drink.
- Fasting plasma glucose test: This test measures your blood sugar level after fasting overnight.
- Random plasma glucose test: This test measures your blood sugar level at a random time, regardless of when you last ate.
If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your healthcare provider will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels.
If you’re told you have type 2 diabetes
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes may feel overwhelming, but seek guidance from healthcare professionals for support. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that includes monitoring your blood sugar levels, making healthy lifestyle choices, and possibly taking medication. Remember that you’re not alone in managing this condition, and there are resources available to help you navigate this journey.
If you’re diagnosed with prediabetes
Pre-diabetes indicates an increased risk of developing diabetes and can be managed through lifestyle modifications.
Find out more
Enroll in educational courses for type 2 diabetes to enhance understanding and receive support.
More in Type 2 diabetes
Page last reviewed: 10 February 2025
Next review due: 10 February 2028
If you suspect diabetes, consult your GP for confirmation. Common symptoms include frequent urination, thirst, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Diabetes symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Increased fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Genital itching or thrush
- Delayed wound healing
- Blurred vision
- Heightened hunger
Symptoms can affect anyone, but some are more commonly observed in type 1 diabetes and manifest rapidly.
What are the most common symptoms of diabetes?
Diabetes symptoms may vary, but increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss are frequently reported.
You’re showing diabetes symptoms: what next?
If symptoms worsen suddenly, it is important to seek urgent medical attention or contact NHS 111 for guidance on diabetes testing.
What does undiagnosed diabetes feel like?
Explore real stories of individuals diagnosed with diabetes and their journey.
Experiencing diabetes symptoms
Discover more personal stories about the diagnosis and management of diabetes.
What causes symptoms of diabetes?
Elevated blood sugar levels in diabetes may cause symptoms like excessive thirst and thrush, although some individuals may not experience any symptoms.
When to speak to a doctor
If you notice symptoms of diabetes or consider yourself at risk, contact your GP for testing and to discuss preventive measures.
If you suspect a friend or partner is at risk of diabetes, have a conversation with them and encourage them to seek professional advice.
Diabetes risk factors
Some individuals are more predisposed to diabetes due to factors like ethnicity, genetics, or lifestyle choices.
Understanding these risk factors can help you assess if action is needed to minimize your risk.
Know Your Risk
Assessing your risk for diabetes can help guide your future decisions.
Use our Know Your Risk tool for a quick evaluation of your type 2 diabetes risk. If your score indicates high risk, consult your GP for further assessment.
If you ignore the signs of diabetes
Signs of type 1 diabetes should not be ignored, as untreated symptoms can lead to severe complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
Early detection and management of type 2 diabetes can prevent significant organ damage and complications.
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.
Insulin, produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
This focus is on type 2 diabetes specifically.
Gestational diabetes, occurring during pregnancy, typically resolves after childbirth.
Symptoms of diabetes
Insufficient insulin leads to diabetes symptoms as glucose accumulates in the blood instead of being used for energy.
Common symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, weight loss, slow wound healing, and blurred vision.
Other symptoms may include increased hunger, irritability, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, and dry, itchy skin.
It is important to note that some individuals may not experience any symptoms, especially in the early stages of diabetes.
Early diagnosis of diabetes is essential to prevent its progression and avoid complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes arises when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t respond to insulin effectively.
Linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes is now more prevalent across different age groups compared to type 1 diabetes.
Treating type 2 diabetes
Treatment for type 2 diabetes involves dietary changes, possibly supplemented with tablets or insulin depending on the blood glucose response. Weight loss early in the disease can even reverse diabetes.
Complications of type 2 diabetes
Diabetes can lead to severe long-term complications affecting vision, kidneys, and potential lower limb amputation.
Regular eye screenings and blood sugar management are crucial for reducing these risks.
Preventing type 2 diabetes
Lifestyle adjustments such as weight loss, healthy diet, moderate alcohol consumption, and regular exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals.
Living with type 2 diabetes
For individuals already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms and lower the risk of complications.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes
Diabetes symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and slow wound healing.
The signs of type 2 diabetes may be subtle and develop gradually over years, leading to delayed diagnosis.
Early detection and treatment are crucial to minimize complications.
Hyperglycaemia
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to control blood sugar levels, resulting in hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia, caused by factors like overeating or ineffective medication, leads to symptoms such as extreme thirst and frequent urination.
Causes of type 2 diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin or the body becomes resistant to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels.
Various factors contribute to inadequate insulin production in type 2 diabetes.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes
Key risk factors for type 2 diabetes include age, genetics, weight, and ethnicity.
The risk of type 2 diabetes increases with age, obesity, and family history. Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle can aid in diabetes prevention.
Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in the development of type 2 diabetes, especially if close family members have the condition.
Having a parent with type 2 diabetes raises the risk of developing the condition.
Being overweight or obese
Being overweight or obese, especially with excess abdominal fat, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Abdominal obesity raises the risk of various serious health conditions, including heart disease and cancer. Measuring waist size can serve as a quick indicator of diabetes risk.
Women have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes if their waist measures 80cm (31.5 inches) or more. Asian men with a waist size of 89cm (35 inches) or more have a higher risk, as do white or black men with a waist size of 94cm (37 inches) or more. Regular exercise and around 5% body weight reduction could reduce diabetes risk by over 50%.
Ethnicity
People of South Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean, and Black African descent have a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is up to six times more prevalent in South Asian communities than in the general UK population and three times more common among individuals of African and African-Caribbean origin. They are also at a higher risk of diabetes complications, such as heart disease, at a younger age than others.
Other risks
Your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes increases if your blood sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. This condition is known as pre-diabetes, characterized by impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Fortunately, pre-diabetes can be reversed through weight loss, but without preventive measures, it may progress to type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease that typically worsens over time. While lifestyle changes can initially help manage blood sugar levels, medication may eventually become necessary. Metformin is commonly prescribed as the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes, as it reduces glucose production by the liver.
SGLT2 inhibitors aid in eliminating glucose through urine, particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes and heart issues. Dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin are examples of SGLT2 inhibitors.
GLP-1 agonists mimic the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, enhancing insulin production via injections. They are effective for individuals with type 2 diabetes and heart problems.
Sulphonylureas stimulate insulin production from the pancreas. In cases where metformin alone is insufficient in controlling blood glucose levels, a combination of sulphonylurea and metformin may be prescribed.
Pioglitazone enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin, allowing cells to extract more glucose from the bloodstream. Though this medication may lead to weight gain and ankle swelling, it is generally used in conjunction with other oral diabetes drugs.
Gliptins prevent the degradation of GLP-1, aiding in insulin production without causing hypoglycemia. They are often combined with other oral diabetes medications for improved efficacy.
In instances where oral medications fail to lower glucose levels effectively, insulin therapy may be required. Since insulin is broken down in the stomach, it must be administered via injections using a syringe or an injection pen.
People with type 2 diabetes being treated with insulin or specific tablets may experience episodes of hypoglycemia. Consuming sugary items can help manage these episodes.
If insulin injections are necessary, your diabetes care team will provide guidance. Typically, individuals require two to four insulin injections per day.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing other health problems. To mitigate these risks, additional medications such as anti-hypertensive drugs, statins to reduce cholesterol, low-dose aspirin, and ACE inhibitors for early diabetic kidney disease may be recommended.
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment plan for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Make sure to keep using insulin, monitor your blood sugar regularly, drink plenty of water, eat well, and check your ketone levels.
If you are uncertain about any changes in your treatment or have any worries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your care team or GP.
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