Diabetes Type 2 Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

You may not have symptoms for years. Symptoms due to high blood sugar or diabetic complications may include:

Increased urination
Extreme thirst
Hunger
Fatigue
Blurry vision
Irritability
Frequent or recurring infections
Poor wound healing
Angina
Painful leg cramps when walking
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
In women: frequent vaginal yeast infections
Problems with gums
Itching
Impotence

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will also be asked about your family history. A physical exam will be done.

Diagnosis is based on the results of blood tests and other criteria. These guidelines are from the American Diabetes Association (ADA):

Symptoms of diabetes and a random blood test revealing a blood sugar level greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL [11.1 mmol/L]
Blood sugar tests after you have not eaten for eight or more hours (called fasting blood sugar ) revealing blood sugar levels greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) on two different days
Glucose tolerance test measuring blood sugar two hours after you consume glucose with a measurement greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher, indicating poor blood sugar control over the past 2-4 months

mg/dL=milligrams per deciliter of blood; mmol/L=millimole per liter of blood

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