What are the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes?

More than 6 million people in the United States have type 2 diabetes and do not know it. Many have no signs or symptoms. Symptoms can also be so mild that you might not even notice them. Some people have symptoms but do not suspect diabetes.

Symptoms include

  • increased thirst
  • increased hunger
  • fatigue
  • increased urination, especially at night
  • weight loss
  • blurred vision
  • sores that do not heal

Many people do not find out they have type 2 diabetes until they have diabetes complications, such as blurry vision or heart trouble. If you find out early that you have diabetes, then you can get treatment to prevent damage to the body.

Should I be tested for diabetes?

diabetes - exercising

Anyone 45 years old or older should consider getting tested for diabetes. If you are 45 or older and overweight getting tested is strongly recommended. If you are younger than 45, overweight, and have one or more of the risk factors, you should consider getting tested. Ask your doctor for a fasting blood glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test.
Your doctor will tell you if you have normal blood glucose, pre-diabetes, or diabetes.

What does having pre-diabetes mean?

Pre-diabetes means your blood glucose is higher than normal but lower than the diabetes range. It also means you are at risk for getting type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, you can reduce the risk of getting diabetes and even return to normal blood glucose levels with modest weight loss and moderate physical activity. If you are told you have pre-diabetes, have your blood glucose checked again in 1 to 2 years.

Besides being older and overweight, what other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?

To find out your risk for type 2 diabetes, check each item that applies to you.

This is an image of a check box. I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
This is an image of a check box. My family background is Alaska Native, American Indian, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
This is an image of a check box. I have had gestational diabetes, or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
This is an image of a check box. My blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure.
This is an image of a check box. My cholesterol levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol—“good” cholesterol—is below 35 mg/dL, or my triglyceride level is above 250 mg/dL.
This is an image of a check box. I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week.
This is an image of a check box. I have polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS—women only.
This is an image of a check box. On previous testing, I had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG).
This is an image of a check box. I have other clinical conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as acanthosis nigricans.
This is an image of a check box. I have a history of cardiovascular disease.

The more items you checked, the higher your risk.

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Since it was first published over a decade ago, REVERSING DIABETES has enabled hundreds of thousands of people with type 2 diabetes to control their condition, naturally and effectively, with diet and exercise. Now thoroughly revised and updated with new material, this classic guide will show you how to reduce, or even eliminate, your dependence on insulin or oral drugs while losing weight and lowering your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and risk of heart attack. Easy-to-follow, with a step-by-step program to keep you on course for the rest of your life.


This valuable information gets to you thanks to the

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3560
Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov

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