Type 2 Diabetes: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
Type 2 diabetes means the body can't regulate blood sugar properly, with symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and tiredness — it's managed through diet, activity, monitoring, and sometimes medication. Signs of very high or very low blood sugar, such as confusion or loss of consciousness, need urgent medical attention.
Overview
Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it, leading to raised blood sugar levels. It's often linked to weight, activity levels, and family history, though anyone can develop it.
Many people have few or no symptoms early on, which is why it's often picked up through a routine blood test.
What may help
- Follow any diet and activity guidance from your healthcare team
- Monitor blood sugar as advised, and keep track of patterns
- Take medication as prescribed, and don't stop or change doses without medical advice
- Look after your feet — check daily for cuts, blisters, or changes in sensation
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, or persistent tiredness
- You're due a routine diabetes review or blood sugar check
- Blood sugar readings are consistently outside the range agreed with your healthcare team
- New numbness, tingling, or changes in your feet
When it could be an emergency
- Signs of very low blood sugar — shaking, sweating, confusion, or fainting
- Signs of very high blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis — extreme thirst, rapid breathing, confusion, or a fruity-smelling breath
- Loss of consciousness in someone with diabetes
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Type 2 Diabetes" in the appCommon questions
Is type 2 diabetes the same as type 1?
No — type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition usually starting in childhood, where the body produces little or no insulin; type 2 is more commonly linked to insulin resistance and develops gradually, often in adulthood.
Can type 2 diabetes be put into remission?
For some people, significant weight loss and lifestyle changes can bring blood sugar back into a normal range without medication — this is worth discussing with your healthcare team.
What should I do if I think I have symptoms?
See a GP for a simple blood test — early diagnosis and management makes a real difference to long-term health.
What are the early signs of type 2 diabetes?
Peeing more than usual, feeling very thirsty, feeling tired, losing weight without trying, itching around the genitals or repeated thrush, cuts that heal slowly, and blurred vision. Many people have no symptoms at first.
Who is more at risk of type 2 diabetes?
Risk is higher with age, a family history of diabetes, being overweight, and for some ethnic backgrounds. A GP or pharmacist can check your risk.
Official sources
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Sepsis Signs
A life-threatening reaction to infection: know the signs.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.