What should you know about type 2 diabetes?

Insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. In type 2 diabetes, cells respond less well to insulin and the pancreas may not produce enough to keep glucose controlled. Symptoms can develop gradually, and some people have no obvious symptoms at first. Possible signs include thirst, passing urine often, tiredness, blurred vision, or slow-healing cuts.

Over time, raised glucose can affect blood vessels and nerves. Diabetes may be associated with conditions such as chronic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke. Having diabetes does not mean these problems will occur, but regular care helps identify changes early.

Arrange a clinical assessment if you have symptoms or have been told that a test result is high. A clinician may discuss glucose testing, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney health, and eye and foot checks. Your plan can include food choices, regular movement, weight management where appropriate, and medicines such as tablets or insulin.

Take prescribed medicine as directed and keep a record of glucose readings if your care team asks you to monitor them. Learn the warning signs of hypoglycaemia, especially if you use insulin or certain glucose-lowering medicines. Foot care matters: check for blisters, breaks in the skin, redness, or swelling, since diabetes can make injuries harder to notice.

Seek urgent medical help for severe drowsiness, confusion, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician promptly for a new foot wound, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or fever, as these can signal cellulitis or another infection. Sudden weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, or loss of balance needs emergency care because it may indicate a stroke.

Ask which glucose tests you need, what your personal targets are, how often your eyes, feet, kidneys, and heart risk should be reviewed, and what to do when you are ill. You can also ask whether prediabetes, obesity, or another medicine is affecting your risk and how to recognise low glucose.