diabetes when to seek care

Overview

Diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Normally, your body breaks down sugar from food into glucose, and insulin helps that glucose enter your cells. In diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or cannot use it well. This causes sugar to build up in your blood, which can lead to health problems over time.

Yes. Diabetes is one of the most common long-term conditions worldwide. Millions of people live with it, and it affects people of every age, background, and lifestyle.

Diabetes can affect anyone. Type 1 often starts in children or young adults. Type 2 is more common in adults over 45, people with a family history, those living with overweight, and people from certain ethnic backgrounds. But it is increasingly seen in younger people too.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Feeling very thirsty and drinking more than usual
• Urinating more often, especially at night
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing cuts or bruises
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in your hands or feet
• Unexplained weight loss

Symptoms in children

• Bedwetting (in a child who was previously dry at night)
• Loss of energy and wanting to sit or lie down often
• Weight loss despite a big appetite
• Strong thirst and frequent urination
• Fruity-smelling breath

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or drowsiness
• Feeling unusually tired or weak
• Frequent urination or dehydration
• Dizziness or falls
• Bladder or skin infections that keep coming back

Causes

Main causes

• Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics and certain triggers may play a role.
• Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not make enough insulin. This is strongly linked to excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, and family history.
• Gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born, but it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes later.

Risk factors

• Having a close family member with diabetes
• Being over 45 years old
• Living with overweight or obesity, especially around the abdomen
• Being physically inactive
• Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Having had gestational diabetes or giving birth to a large baby
• Belonging to certain ethnic groups (such as South Asian, African, or Caribbean) with higher risk

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have diabetes and you develop vomiting, rapid breathing, severe drowsiness, or confusion — seek urgent care immediately. These can be signs of a medical emergency.
• If your blood sugar is very high and your usual actions are not bringing it down, contact your diabetes care team today.
• If you have signs of an infection, such as a fever, pain, redness, or a bad smell from a wound, seek help the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are feeling more tired, thirsty, or urinating more than usual, book an appointment with your doctor to be tested.
• If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, see your doctor or diabetes nurse regularly for check-ups, even when you feel well.
• If you notice changes in your vision, your feet, or any unusual tingling, raise this at your next routine appointment.

Diagnosis

Diabetes is diagnosed with blood tests that measure the amount of sugar in your blood. The tests are simple and performed by your doctor or in a laboratory. You do not need to prepare anything special if your doctor explains the instructions.

Tests that may be done

• HbA1c test — a blood test showing your average blood sugar over the previous two to three months
• Fasting blood sugar test — measures your blood sugar after no food or drink for at least 8 hours
• Oral glucose tolerance test — you drink a sugary liquid, then your blood sugar is measured over the next few hours

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will explain your results and what they mean. They may ask about your symptoms, family history, and lifestyle. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you will be referred to a diabetes education program and a care team that will help you learn to manage it.

Treatment

Diabetes treatment aims to keep your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. This involves a combination of healthy living, regular blood sugar checks, and, when needed, medication. The plan is personal to you and can change over time.

Self-care at home

• Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor advises and keep a record of the numbers.
• Take all medicines exactly as prescribed, even when you feel fine.
• Look after your feet daily — check for cuts, blisters, or redness, and tell your doctor if something does not heal.
• Attend all your regular check-ups, including eye and kidney screening.
• Wear a medical ID or keep a card with you that says you have diabetes.

Medical treatments

Many people with diabetes need medication to help control their blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin, given by injections or a pump. Type 2 diabetes is often treated with tablets first, but insulin or other injectable medicines may be added over time. Your doctor will choose the right treatment for you and explain how to use it safely. Never change your dose without speaking to your care team.

When is surgery considered?

Weight-loss (bariatric) surgery is an option for some people with type 2 diabetes and severe obesity. It can lead to significant improvements in blood sugar control and may reduce the need for medication. This option is discussed with specialists and is not suitable for everyone.

Living with this condition

Living with diabetes becomes easier as you build simple routines. Check your blood sugar, eat well, stay active, and take your medicines. Keep a supply of things you need, like snacks or glucose for low blood sugar, especially when away from home.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Break it into smaller chunks.
• Stay at a healthy weight, since even a small weight loss can improve blood sugar.
• Do not smoke, and limit alcohol.
• Get regular sleep and manage stress.

Diet and exercise

A diabetes-friendly diet is not about cutting out all sugar. It is about eating regular meals, watching portion sizes, and choosing foods that keep blood sugar steady. Exercise helps your body use insulin better, and it can make a big difference to your energy and mood. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you take insulin.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed, worried, or frustrated with diabetes. Some people experience 'diabetes distress' — a feeling of being burned out by daily demands. Talk to your care team about these feelings. They can refer you to counselling or support groups. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel in crisis, call your local emergency number or a mental health crisis line right away.

Prevention

Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. For type 2 diabetes, many cases can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes: keeping a healthy weight, being active, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking. If you are at high risk, ask your doctor about a diabetes prevention program.

Vaccines

People with diabetes are advised to stay up to date with vaccines, including flu, pneumococcal (pneumonia), and COVID-19 vaccines. These are important because diabetes can make infections harder to fight. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

Regular screening is recommended if you are over 45, have risk factors like obesity or family history, or had gestational diabetes. Screening is a simple blood test and can catch diabetes early, when it is easier to manage.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart attack and stroke
• Kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure
• Nerve damage causing tingling, pain, or numbness, especially in the legs and feet
• Eye damage, including diabetic retinopathy, which can threaten vision
• Foot problems, including ulcers or infections that may lead to amputation if untreated
• Slow healing and increased risk of severe infections

Long-term outlook

A diabetes diagnosis is not a sentence to poor health. With the right care and your own efforts, most people can prevent or slow down complications. It is a condition you can live well with — step by step, with support from your healthcare team and the people around you.

Find support

International organisations

• International Diabetes Federation ↗

Local organisations

• Diabetes UK ↗ · United Kingdom

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