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What is diabetes? 

Diabetes means there is too much glucose in your blood. This happens when your body does not make enough insulin, or the insulin does not work as well as it should.

If glucose stays high for a long time, it can affect your health and how you feel day to day. Over many years, it can also lead to other health problems.

Your healthcare team will help you find a safe glucose range that is right for you. Keeping your levels in this range most of the time can help you stay well.

There are different types of diabetes, including:

  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)
  • Diabetes caused by certain medications (such as steroids)
  • Other types, including those caused by genetic conditions, pancreatic problems, or hormonal issues

Videos of ‘what is diabetes’?

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes?

The signs and symptoms of diabetes are:

  • Toilet: Passing more urine, especially at night.
  • Thirsty: Being thirsty.
  • Tired: Feeling more tired than usual.
  • Thinner: Losing weight without trying to (but some people may put more weight on)
  • Genital itching or thrush.
  • Cuts and wounds that take longer to heal.
  • Blurred eyesight

Videos

People in Leeds have helped us make these videos about the signs and symptoms of diabetes.

For more information visit the Diabetes UK website

Know your risk of diabetes

Everyone is at risk of diabetes. The reasons people could be at risk of diabetes can be different. Some people are more at risk than others for example:

  • If you have a family history of diabetes
  • If you are over 25 from South Asian, African Caribbean or Black African descent.
  • If you are over 40 from a white background
  • If you are overweight and not very active
  • You have had gestational diabetes

Videos

People in Leeds have helped us make these videos about knowing the risks of diabetes.

For more information visit the Diabetes UK website

How do you get tested for diabetes?

You should get tested for diabetes if:

  • you have symptoms of diabetes
  • you have had gestational diabetes (you should get tested every year)
  • you are over the age of 40 (this is part of your NHS health check)
  • your doctor’s surgery invites you to get tested.

If these apply to you, please book an appointment at your doctors’ surgery.

How do we diagnose diabetes?

Diabetes is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test taken from your arm. This test is called a HbA1c. The test shows your average blood glucose level over the last 2 to 3 months.

What the HbA1c result means

  • 41 mmol/mol or below, you do not have diabetes.
  • 42 to 47 mmol/mol, you are at risk of diabetes (sometimes called pre‑diabetes).
  • 48 mmol/mol or above, this suggests diabetes.

If you don’t have symptoms and your HbA1c is 48 mmol/mol or above, your doctor will usually repeat the test within 2 weeks to confirm.

If you do have symptoms and your HbA1c is 48 mmol/mol or above, this is enough to diagnose diabetes.

Other ways to diagnose diabetes

Sometimes the HbA1c test can’t be used. In this case, another blood test may be used, such as:

  • A blood glucose test taken at any time
  • A fasting blood glucose test
  • A glucose tolerance test (a test done after drinking a sugary drink)

Find out more here:

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