Diabetes, type 2 - Symptoms 

Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without knowing it because early symptoms can be general.

It is important to get medical advice if you think you have signs of diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce your risk of developing complications later.

The main symptoms of diabetes are:

• feeling very thirsty
• going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
• extreme tiredness
• weight loss and loss of muscle bulk

Other symptoms of diabetes can include:

• itchiness around the vagina or penis
• recurring thrush as a result of the excess glucose in your urine
• blurred vision caused by the lenses of your eyes becoming very dry
• cuts and sores taking longer to heal

Not everyone will experience these other symptoms, and they are not usually severe in those who do get them.

Want to know more?

• Diabetes UK: Diabetes symptoms.

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose)

Type 2 diabetes occurs because your body is unable to produce enough insulin or because the cells in your body do not respond properly to insulin.

This means that insulin cannot regulate your blood glucose level and, as a result, your blood glucose levels may become very high. This happens because there is no insulin to move glucose out of your bloodstream and into your cells to produce energy.

If your blood glucose levels become too high, you may experience hyperglycaemia. The symptoms of hyperglycaemia are similar to the main symptoms of diabetes, but they may be more severe and come on suddenly. They include:

• extreme thirst
• a dry mouth
• blurred vision
• drowsiness
• a frequent need to pass urine

Hyperglycaemia can occur for several reasons including:

• eating too much
• being unwell
• not taking enough insulin

If it is not treated, hyperglycaemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which can eventually cause unconsciousness and even death.

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when your body begins to break down fats for energy, instead of glucose, leading to a build up of acids in your blood. However, diabetic ketoacidosis is a very rare complication of diabetes.