Stages of Type 2 Diabetes

In early insulin resistance, the body does not respond efficiently to insulin, so the pancreas works harder. Prediabetes means blood glucose is above the usual range but not in the diabetes range; lifestyle changes and follow-up can reduce progression. Established type 2 diabetes means glucose remains high enough to require a personalised treatment plan. Over time, some people need more than one medicine or insulin. Staging is not a simple countdown: blood tests, symptoms, other conditions and complications guide decisions.

Long-term high glucose can affect nerves, kidneys, eyes, blood vessels and skin. Peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease and stroke are possible complications, but they are not inevitable.

Attend planned blood tests and review appointments, take medicines as prescribed, and record home glucose readings when your clinician asks. Build meals around fibre-rich foods, stay active in ways suited to your health, avoid smoking, and check your feet for blisters, cuts or colour changes. Ask about blood pressure, cholesterol, eye checks, kidney tests and a foot review. Learn the warning signs of hypoglycaemia if you use insulin or medicines that can lower glucose. Prediabetes and obesity may be discussed as part of prevention and weight management.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, or very high glucose with dehydration. Get prompt advice for a foot wound, spreading redness, warmth or swelling, because cellulitis can worsen quickly. New one-sided weakness, facial drooping or trouble speaking needs emergency care. Contact your diabetes team when readings repeatedly fall below or above your agreed range, or symptoms change.

Which stage best describes my current results? What glucose targets suit me? Which checks should I have this year? How will we recognise treatment failure or hypoglycaemia?