Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed following blood or urine tests for another reason.
Contact your doctor straight away if you have any symptoms of diabetes.
Your doctor will arrange a blood test to check your blood glucose (sugar) levels. It usually takes a few days for the results to come back.
Your results will show if you have:
- no diabetes
- type 2 diabetes
- pre-diabetes - this is a stage before type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes your doctor will advise you on the best treatment options.
If you're diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
Your doctor or nurse will discuss your diagnosis with you.
Your treatment can depend on your overall health, your lifestyle and other medical conditions.
They may talk to you about:
- what type 2 diabetes is
- what high blood glucose levels mean for your health
- treatments such as diet, physical activity, mental health support, managing your weight or medicine
- your lifestyle, for example drinking alcohol or smoking
- doing a free diabetes support course
- free diabetic retina screening (Diabetic RetinaScreen)
- looking after your feet to prevent diabetes related problems
- how to get free prescriptions for diabetes medicines and register for the Long-Term Illness Scheme
You should have regular type 2 diabetes check-ups with your doctor, nurse or diabetes team.
Treatments for type 2 diabetes
If you have questions about your diagnosis
It can be difficult to take in everything your doctor or nurse tells you during the appointment. Take notes and bring a family member or friend to your appointment if it helps you.
Talk to family and friends about what your doctor or nurse told you. Write down any questions you have. Bring your list of questions to your next appointment.
Playing an active role in your care
Asking questions about your care can help, such as:
- what do I need to know now?
- what do I need to do next?
- what can I expect? How will this help me?
