Obesity and type 2 diabetes: what to know

Insulin helps move glucose from the blood into cells. With insulin resistance, muscle and liver cells respond less effectively, so the pancreas may produce more insulin. Over time, glucose can rise into prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes. Family history, age, sleep, medicines, pregnancy history, and activity also affect risk.

Type 2 Diabetes may develop gradually. Thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, tiredness, recurrent infections, or slow-healing wounds deserve testing, but symptoms cannot confirm the condition. A blood glucose or HbA1c test is used with clinical context.

Arrange testing if you have risk factors or symptoms. A clinician can review glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function, medicines, sleep, and family history. If diabetes is diagnosed, regular monitoring and a personalised treatment plan help protect nerves, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys.

Choose manageable changes such as walking or other suitable activity, balanced meals with fibre and protein, fewer sweetened drinks, and consistent sleep. If you use glucose-lowering medicine, do not change doses without advice. Ask about foot checks and screening for Peripheral Neuropathy, Chronic Kidney Disease, and other complications.

Seek prompt advice for persistent thirst, frequent urination, vomiting, dehydration, or a wound that is red and slow to heal. Get urgent help for severe drowsiness or confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness, or a rapidly spreading skin infection. If taking glucose-lowering treatment, sweating, shaking, or confusion may indicate Hypoglycaemia and needs immediate attention.

Which glucose test do I need, and when should it be repeated? What targets apply to me? How can I adjust meals and activity safely with my medicines, and which eye, foot, nerve, and kidney checks should I arrange?