Diabetes, type 2 - Diagnosis 

It is important to diagnose diabetes as early as possible so that treatment can be started. If you experience symptoms, see your GP as soon as possible. They will ask you about your symptoms and for a urine sample.

Urine and blood tests

Your urine sample will be tested to see if it contains glucose. Normally, urine does not contain glucose, but if your blood glucose level is high, some glucose can overflow through your kidneys and into your urine.

If your urine contains glucose, you will have a blood test to confirm the diagnosis of diabetes. A sample of your blood will be taken in the morning before you have had anything to eat and will be tested to measure your blood glucose levels.

If your blood glucose levels are not high enough for your GP to diagnose diabetes, you may need to have an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This is also sometimes referred to as a glucose tolerance test (GTT). You will be given a glucose drink and then blood tests are taken every half an hour, for two hours, to see how your body is dealing with the glucose.