World Diabetes Day 2026: Recognising the Early Signs of Type 2 Diabetes

World Diabetes Day falls on 14 November, and this year’s theme from the International Diabetes Federation is early action on diabetes. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the large majority of UK cases, and it often develops slowly. Some people notice tiredness or thirst; others notice nothing for years. Knowing the early signs of type 2 diabetes, and whether you have risk factors, means you can get checked at the right time and act sooner if your blood sugar is higher than it should be.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood becomes too high. A hormone called insulin normally moves glucose into your cells to be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or the cells don’t respond to it properly, which is known as insulin resistance.

Type 1 diabetes is different. The immune system attacks the cells that make insulin, so the body can’t produce it. It usually develops more quickly, is more common in younger people and can’t be prevented.

What Are the Early Signs of Type 2 Diabetes?

The most common symptoms are:

• Increased thirst: feeling thirsty all the time.
• Frequent urination: peeing more than usual, often at night.
• Persistent tiredness: feeling very tired without an obvious reason.
• Unexplained weight loss: losing weight without trying to.

Other signs can include:

• Blurred vision.
• Slow-healing wounds: cuts or grazes taking longer to heal.
• Recurrent infections: thrush that keeps coming back, or itching around the penis or vagina.

All of these can have other causes, so one symptom doesn’t mean you have diabetes. But if you notice any of them, it’s worth seeing a GP.

Who Is More at Risk?

Type 2 diabetes is linked to a mix of factors, many outside your control. You may be at higher risk if you:

• are white and over 40, or over 25 and from a South Asian, Chinese, Black African or Black Caribbean background
• have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
• are living with overweight, particularly around your middle, and aren’t very physically active
• have high blood pressure or another condition that raises your risk
• had diabetes during a pregnancy (gestational diabetes)

Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll develop the condition, but it’s worth knowing where you stand.

Can You Have Type 2 Diabetes Without Symptoms?

Yes. Not everyone with type 2 diabetes has symptoms, and when they do appear they can build up so gradually that they’re easy to overlook. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that up to half of people with type 2 diabetes already have complications when they’re diagnosed.

If any of the risk factors above apply, it’s sensible to ask a GP about testing even if you feel well. In England, adults aged 40 to 74 without an existing health condition can also ask for a free NHS Health Check, and Diabetes UK’s online Know Your Risk tool gives a quick estimate.

How Is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test. The most common is HbA1c, which reflects your average blood sugar over the previous two to three months rather than at one moment. A result of 48 mmol/mol or above is consistent with diabetes. A result between 42 and 47 mmol/mol suggests a higher risk, often called prediabetes.

HbA1c isn’t suitable for everyone. It isn’t used to diagnose diabetes in pregnancy, in children or when type 1 is suspected, and some blood conditions, such as certain types of anaemia, can affect the result. In these cases, or if symptoms have come on quickly, a clinician may use a glucose test instead. Without symptoms, a raised result is usually repeated before a diagnosis is confirmed.

Five Practical Ways to Reduce Your Risk

Not every case can be prevented, but these steps can help lower your risk:

1. Keep active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking or cycling.
2. Eat a balanced diet. Base meals on vegetables, fruit and wholegrains, and keep sugary drinks occasional.
3. Work towards a healthy weight where that’s right for you. If you’re living with overweight, losing some weight can lower your risk.
4. Sit less. Break up long spells of sitting by standing during calls or taking a short walk.
5. Talk to a clinician about your risk. A GP can advise whether testing is right for you, and how often.

Diabetes Testing and Health Checks at Private GP Services

If you’re worried about symptoms or your risk, a GP consultation gives you time to talk it through. The GP will ask about your health and family history and arrange any blood tests that are appropriate.

For a broader review, our Standard Health Medical (currently £395) includes a 30-minute GP consultation and blood tests covering glucose and HbA1c, alongside kidney, liver and cholesterol checks, with results sent in a written report.

Acting Early

World Diabetes Day is a useful prompt, but you can check in on your health at any time. Know the signs, understand your risk and get advice if something doesn’t feel right. Finding raised blood sugar early gives you more options.

Concerned about your diabetes risk? Explore our private health checks and take a proactive approach to understanding your health.