Diabetes & Blood Sugar1 in 15 people in the UK

Type 2 Diabetes

Also known as: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Adult-Onset Diabetes, Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where your body doesn't use insulin properly, causing blood sugar levels to rise. It's the most common form of diabetes, affecting around 4.3 million people in the UK.

Last reviewed: 15 January 2026

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

In type 2 diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or your cells don't respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance). This causes glucose to build up in your blood instead of being used for energy. Unlike type 1 diabetes, it develops gradually and is often linked to lifestyle factors.

Who is affected?

Usually develops in adults over 40 (or over 25 in South Asian communities), but increasingly seen in younger people. Risk increases with weight, family history, and ethnicity.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

Common Symptoms

  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Urinating more frequently, especially at night
  • Feeling very tired
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing cuts and wounds
  • Frequent thrush or genital itching

Less Common Symptoms

  • Tingling or numbness in hands/feet
  • Recurring skin infections
  • Darkened patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans)

When to Seek Urgent Help

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (rare in type 2)
  • Hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS)

Causes & Risk Factors

Causes

  • Insulin resistance (cells don't respond to insulin)
  • Insufficient insulin production
  • Genetic factors
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Physical inactivity
  • Age
  • Ethnicity (higher risk in South Asian, Black African, Caribbean)

Risk Factors

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Carrying excess weight around your middle
  • Family history of type 2 diabetes
  • Being over 40 (or 25 for South Asian)
  • South Asian, Black African, or Caribbean ethnicity
  • High blood pressure
  • History of gestational diabetes
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Possible Complications if Untreated

  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Kidney disease (diabetic nephropathy)
  • Eye problems (diabetic retinopathy)
  • Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy)
  • Foot problems and amputation risk
  • Sexual dysfunction

Diagnosis & Blood Tests

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests measuring your blood glucose levels. An HbA1c test is commonly used.

HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin)

Measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. The main test for diagnosis and monitoring.

What to look for: 48 mmol/mol or above indicates diabetes. 42-47 mmol/mol indicates prediabetes.

Fasting Plasma Glucose

Measures blood sugar after an overnight fast.

What to look for: 7.0 mmol/L or above on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

Random Plasma Glucose

Blood sugar measured at any time.

What to look for: 11.1 mmol/L or above with symptoms suggests diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Blood sugar measured before and 2 hours after a glucose drink.

What to look for: 11.1 mmol/L or above at 2 hours indicates diabetes.

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Treatment Options

Treatment focuses on keeping blood sugar levels as normal as possible through lifestyle changes and medication.

  • Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss)
  • Metformin (usually first-line medication)
  • Other diabetes medications (SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists)
  • Insulin (if other treatments don't control blood sugar)
  • Regular monitoring and health checks

Living with Type 2 Diabetes

  • Monitor your blood sugar as advised by your healthcare team
  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Eat regular meals with appropriate portion sizes
  • Choose foods with a lower glycaemic index
  • Stay physically active most days
  • Attend all your diabetes review appointments
  • Look after your feet and check them daily
  • Get your eyes screened annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Can type 2 diabetes be reversed?

Some people can put their type 2 diabetes into remission through significant weight loss and lifestyle changes, particularly if caught early. However, it requires ongoing maintenance.

Do I need to avoid all sugar?

You don't need to cut out sugar completely, but you should reduce it. Focus on a balanced diet, controlling portion sizes, and choosing foods that don't spike blood sugar quickly.

Will I always need medication?

Not necessarily. Some people can manage with lifestyle changes alone, especially early in the condition. Others may need medication or insulin as the condition progresses.

Can I still drink alcohol?

In moderation, yes, but alcohol can affect blood sugar levels. Stick to recommended limits and never drink on an empty stomach if taking diabetes medication.

When to See Your GP

  • You have symptoms of diabetes
  • You're at high risk and haven't been tested
  • You have prediabetes
  • You're struggling to manage your diabetes
  • You notice any changes in your feet or vision
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