Type 2 diabetes - getting diagnosed

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed following blood or urine tests for something else.

However, you should see a GP straight away if you have any symptoms of diabetes.

To find out if you have type 2 diabetes, you usually have to go through the following steps:

1. See a GP about your symptoms.


2. The GP will check your urine and arrange a blood test to check your blood sugar levels. It usually takes about 1 to 2 days for the results to come back.


3. If you have diabetes, the GP will explain the test results and what will happen next.

What the GP will discuss with you during your appointment depends on the diagnosis and the treatment they recommend.

Generally, they'll talk to you about:

• what diabetes is


• what high blood sugar means for your health


• whether you need to take medicine


• your diet and exercise


• your lifestyle – for example, alcohol and smoking

Important

The GP will do their best to discuss the diagnosis with you, but this first appointment might only be 10 to 15 minutes.

It's usually difficult to take in everything the GP tells you during the appointment.

Talk to family and friends about what the GP told you, and write down any questions you have.

Then make another GP appointment and take your list of questions with you.

There's also a lot of information on diabetes available.

Usually, the following things happen after your diagnosis:

1. The GP may prescribe medicine. It might take time for you to get used to the medicine and to find the right doses for you.


2. You will usually need to make changes to your diet and be more active.


3. You'll have to go for regular type 2 diabetes check-ups.


4. You'll have to look out for certain signs to avoid other health problems.

A free education course for type 2 diabetes can help you manage your condition.

Sign yourself up online to Healthy living for people with type 2 diabetes. The GP may refer you to Diabetes education and self management for ongoing and newly diagnosed (DESMOND).