Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition in which the body either does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly, so glucose builds up in the blood. It develops slowly, often over years, and many people have it for a long time before it is found.
What are the early signs?
- Passing urine more often, especially at night
- Feeling unusually thirsty
- Tiredness that does not improve with rest
- Losing weight without trying
- Cuts and wounds healing slowly
- Blurred vision, or repeated skin and urinary infections
Many people have no symptoms at all in the early years, which is why screening matters for anyone at higher risk.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is made on a blood test, not on symptoms:
- Fasting glucose of 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) or above
- HbA1c of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) or above
- A random glucose of 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) or above with typical symptoms
An abnormal result is normally repeated to confirm it.
Who is at higher risk?
- Being overweight, particularly around the waist
- A parent or sibling with diabetes
- Age over 40
- Previous gestational diabetes
- Physical inactivity and high blood pressure
How is type 2 diabetes managed?
Management aims to keep glucose in a safe range and to protect the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves over the long term:
- Food. Smaller portions of bread, rice and sugary drinks; more vegetables, pulses and whole grains. No food is banned outright, but quantity and frequency matter.
- Activity. About 150 minutes a week of moderate movement improves how the body responds to insulin.
- Weight. Losing 5–10% of body weight measurably improves glucose control, and substantial early weight loss can put some people into remission.
- Medication. Metformin is usually the first medicine; others are added when needed. Some people eventually need insulin, which is not a sign of failure.
- Regular checks. HbA1c, blood pressure, kidney function, eyes and feet, on the schedule your doctor sets.
Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?
Some people achieve remission — normal glucose without medication — particularly with significant weight loss early after diagnosis. Remission is not the same as cure: the tendency remains, and continued follow-up is still needed.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if you notice increased thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue, or if you are at higher risk and have never been screened. Seek urgent care for vomiting with abdominal pain, deep rapid breathing, or drowsiness and confusion.
