Facts about type 2 diabetes

The condition can develop gradually, and some people notice thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, tiredness, or slow-healing cuts; others have no symptoms. A blood test confirms the diagnosis. Prediabetes means glucose is above the usual range but does not meet the threshold for diabetes, and it is a useful point for preventive support.

Persistently high glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves. Over time, this may contribute to kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, foot problems, circulation disease, or stroke. These are possible complications, not an inevitable outcome.

Follow the plan agreed with your clinician: take medicines as prescribed, attend glucose and blood-pressure checks, and keep appointments for eyes, kidneys, feet, and cardiovascular risk. Regular movement, balanced meals, adequate sleep, and stopping tobacco can support glucose control. Check your feet for blisters, cuts, colour change, or numb areas, and ask for help with wounds that do not improve. Learn the symptoms of [Hypoglycaemia](/conditions/hypoglycaemia/) if you use medicines that can lower glucose.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, seizures, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, deep or rapid breathing, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt foot care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever, because [Cellulitis](/conditions/cellulitis/) can progress quickly. Report new weakness, facial drooping, speech trouble, or sudden vision loss as an emergency.

Ask what your glucose targets are, how often to test, what to do when you are ill, whether your medicines need adjustment, and how your kidneys, eyes, nerves, feet, and heart risk will be reviewed.