Common symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes are the following:

• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Unexplained weight loss or gain

In type 2 diabetes, symptoms are slow to progress. People with type 2 diabetes may not experience symptoms and are often diagnosed during routine checkups. It is important to visit your doctor for regular physical examinations, as well as to speak with your doctor about your risk factors for type 2 diabetes.  

The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes often occurs in later adulthood but can also occur earlier, particularly in populations at a higher risk for diabetes. There is increasing evidence that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in children.

If you are aged 40 or older, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes and should be tested at least every three years. Testing should occur earlier and more often if you are part of a high-risk group (Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian or African descent). Additionally, if you have a parent or sibling with diabetes, health complications associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you may consider more frequent testing. The list of risk factors included above is not exhaustive, so it is important to discuss your risk for type 2 diabetes with your doctor.

Your doctor may conduct blood or urine tests to confirm if you have type 2 diabetes. Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is often made from associated complications or through an abnormal blood or urine glucose (sugar) test.

There are many ways to manage type 2 diabetes which include the following:

Education: It is important for patients to learn more about type 2 diabetes so they can become more informed about their condition.

Physical Activity: Staying active helps lower your blood glucose levels, promotes weight loss, reduce stress, and enhances overall fitness.

Nutrition and Weight Management: maintaining a healthy weight, as well as planning what, when, and how much you eat all play an important role in regulating your blood glucose levels.

Medication: Type 2 diabetes may require medication and/or insulin to help your body control your blood glucose more effectively, and may also be combined with nutrition and weight management.

Lifestyle management: Learning how to reduce stress in your daily life can help people with type 2 diabetes to better manage their disease.

Blood Pressure: People with diabetes should try to maintain a blood pressure level below 130/80 to prevent further complications. One way in which this can be accomplished is by modifying your eating and physical activity habits and/or taking medication.

Over time, high blood glucose levels can lead to complications such as blindness, heart disease, kidney problems, nerve damage, and erectile dysfunction.  Lifestyle changes can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. It is important to speak with your doctor about how to take the appropriate steps to help manage your diabetes to help maintain your overall health and wellness and to prevent further complications.