Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body controls blood glucose. When
blood glucose remains high for too long, it can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and
blood vessels.

The condition does not always cause obvious symptoms. Some people, particularly those
with type 2 diabetes, may have few or no symptoms for years. Knowing the possible
warning signs can help you recognise when it may be time to get checked.

Common Warning Signs

Frequent urination and unusual thirst often occur together. When blood glucose is high,
the kidneys remove excess glucose through urine, causing the body to lose more fluid.

Unexplained weight loss may occur when the body cannot use glucose properly for
energy and begins breaking down fat and muscle.

Persistent tiredness can occur when the body cannot use glucose effectively for energy.
However, tiredness has many possible causes.

Blurred vision may occur when high blood glucose affects the eyes and should be checked
if it persists.

Other possible signs include:

 Increased hunger

 Slow-healing wounds 

 Recurring infections                     

 Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

These symptoms can have other causes, so they do not confirm diabetes on their own.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

The risk of type 2 diabetes is higher in people who:

 Are overweight or have obesity 

 Have a close family member with diabetes 

 Are physically inactive                     

 Have high blood pressure 

 Have prediabetes 

 Have had gestational diabetes

 Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)                         

 Have certain liver conditions                 

 Are older, particularly from around age 45

Some risk factors cannot be changed. Others can be addressed through healthy eating,
regular physical activity and weight management.

Being young or slim does not completely rule out diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can occur at
any age, while type 2 diabetes can also affect younger people.

Why Testing Matters

Diabetes and prediabetes may develop without noticeable symptoms. Common tests
include:

A1C: Measures average blood glucose over the previous two to three months. An A1C of
6.5% or higher is in the diabetes range, while 5.7% to 6.4% is in the prediabetes range.

Fasting plasma glucose: Measures blood glucose after fasting. A result of 7.0 mmol/L (126
mg/dL) or higher is in the diabetes range.

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): Measures the body's response to a glucose drink. A
two-hour result of 11.1 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) or higher is in the diabetes range.

A healthcare professional should confirm a diagnosis, usually through repeat or additional
testing.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you have several of these symptoms or risk factors, speak with a healthcare professional
about whether testing is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical attention if you develop vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion,
marked weakness or rapid deterioration. These may indicate a serious diabetes-related
emergency.

Nutrition and Treatment

If diabetes or prediabetes is confirmed, treatment should be guided by a qualified
healthcare professional. Depending on the individual, it may include changes to diet and
physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, prescribed medicines or insulin.

Supplements should not be presented as a cure for diabetes. Discuss any supplement with
your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you take diabetes medicines.

Know the Signs

Diabetes can develop quietly. Knowing the warning signs and understanding your risk can
help you take action early.

 

At Evans Therapeutics Ltd, we are committed to patient-centred healthcare. We provide
health information and education that help patients make informed choices and take an
active role in their care.