What should you know about undiagnosed type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively and blood glucose remains higher than it should. Early changes can be subtle or absent. Possible clues include increased thirst, passing urine often, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts, recurring infections, or tingling in the feet. A symptom does not establish the diagnosis; a clinician uses blood tests and your health history.

Untreated high glucose can gradually affect blood vessels and nerves. It may be associated with kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, circulation problems, and stroke. Prediabetes is an earlier state in which glucose is above the usual range without meeting the criteria for diabetes.

Arrange an appointment for a blood glucose assessment if symptoms persist, or if a routine test has raised concern. The clinician may discuss fasting glucose, a longer-term glucose test, medicines, food patterns, activity, sleep, and weight. Do not start, stop, or share diabetes medicine based on a home reading.

Until reviewed, drink water when thirsty, keep a record of symptoms and readings, and mention any medicines or illness that could affect glucose. Look after cuts on your feet and seek advice for redness or swelling, which can signal cellulitis.

Seek urgent medical help for vomiting, severe abdominal pain, deep or rapid breathing, confusion, marked drowsiness, or inability to keep fluids down. A sudden change in vision, weakness on one side, facial drooping, or trouble speaking needs emergency assessment because it may indicate stroke. Severe sweating, shaking, confusion, or fainting can also reflect hypoglycaemia, especially in someone taking glucose-lowering treatment.

Ask which blood tests are appropriate, whether the result suggests diabetes or prediabetes, how to monitor glucose, and which symptoms should prompt same-day help. You can also ask how to protect your feet, kidneys, nerves, and circulation.