Blood sugar and type 2 diabetes: what to know

Glucose from food normally enters cells with help from insulin. In type 2 diabetes, cells respond less effectively to insulin, so glucose can build up in the bloodstream. The pancreas may make more insulin for a time, but this response may not meet the body's needs. Prediabetes can occur before type 2 diabetes and may have no obvious symptoms.

High glucose over time can affect blood vessels and nerves. Type 2 diabetes is associated with complications such as peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease and stroke. A high reading alone does not establish which complication, if any, is present.

Your plan may combine food choices, regular movement, weight-related support where appropriate, glucose monitoring and medicine. Take prescribed treatment as directed and tell your clinician about missed doses, side effects, fasting, illness or changes in routine. Do not increase or stop medicine based on one reading without advice.

Keep appointments for blood pressure, feet, eyes, kidneys and cardiovascular risk when offered. Check your feet as advised, especially if sensation is reduced, and protect broken skin from infection. A diabetes education programme can make targets, meal planning and sick-day instructions easier to use.

Get urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, difficult breathing, persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt advice for repeated low readings, very high readings with illness, new foot wounds, spreading redness or warmth, or sudden facial weakness, speech trouble or one-sided weakness. These symptoms need assessment rather than adjustment based only on a home meter.

Ask what your readings mean at different times of day, how often to monitor, and what action plan applies to high or low results. Discuss medicine side effects, exercise, fasting, travel, foot care and which checks are due. Ask when symptoms require the clinic, urgent care or emergency services.