Can obesity cause type 2 diabetes?

Body cells use glucose for energy, and insulin helps glucose enter those cells. Excess body fat can make cells less responsive to insulin, so the pancreas must work harder to keep glucose controlled. Over time, the pancreas may not meet the body's needs, allowing glucose to remain high. Type 2 diabetes can develop without obvious symptoms, while thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, recurrent infections and fatigue may occur. A diagnosis requires appropriate blood-glucose testing rather than symptoms or body size alone.

Arrange testing if you have risk factors or symptoms, and take the results to a clinician who can explain them. Build regular movement into the week, choose meals that include fibre and protein, improve sleep and seek structured weight-management support if useful. If diabetes is diagnosed, follow the treatment plan and learn how to monitor glucose when advised. Never change prescribed medicines because of a single home reading without clinical guidance.

Book an appointment for ongoing thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision or slow-healing wounds. Seek urgent care for confusion, severe dehydration, repeated vomiting, profound weakness or rapid, deep breathing. A person with known diabetes should follow their personalised sick-day instructions and seek help when glucose readings remain outside their advised range.

Which test should check for diabetes or prediabetes? What do my results mean in practical terms? Which food, activity and weight goals are realistic for me? Should I review my blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep or medicines?