What should you know about warning signs of type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body cannot use insulin effectively and blood glucose remains too high. This can draw more water into the urine, causing increased urination and thirst. Tiredness, blurred vision, genital itching or repeated infections may also occur. Some people have no obvious symptoms, so a risk assessment or routine blood test may identify the condition earlier.

High glucose over time can affect nerves, blood vessels, kidneys and the body's ability to deal with infection. Peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease and cellulitis are complications or related concerns that a clinician may assess, not conclusions that can be made from symptoms alone.

Book a GP appointment if thirst, urination, fatigue, vision changes or recurrent infections persist. Bring a list of medicines and describe changes in weight, appetite, skin, feet and sleep. Testing may include blood glucose measurements and other checks chosen by the clinician.

Until you are assessed, keep drinking water when thirsty and avoid trying to correct symptoms with someone else's diabetes medicine. If you already have diabetes, follow your personal sick-day plan and check glucose as advised.

Seek urgent care for vomiting with marked thirst, severe weakness, confusion, drowsiness, trouble breathing, or inability to keep fluids down. If you use glucose-lowering medicine, shaking, sweating, confusion or unusual behaviour can indicate hypoglycaemia and needs prompt action according to your care plan.

Ask which tests are appropriate, whether prediabetes is possible, and how often follow-up is needed. Discuss blood-pressure, kidney, eye, foot and nerve checks, plus practical changes that fit your usual meals and activity.