Diabetes is a condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high.

There are two main types of diabetes, type 1 and type 2. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, over 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2.

High blood sugar that develops during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. It usually goes away after giving birth.

Signs of diabetes

You may not have had any obvious signs, but you may have noticed:

  • Going to the toilet more, especially at night

  • Feeling really thirsty

  • Feeling more tired than usual

  • Losing weight without trying to

  • Genital itching or thrush

  • Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal

  • Blurred vision

Diabetes symptoms | Signs of all types of diabetes | Diabetes UK

Visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience the main symptoms of diabetes.

High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)

High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) is where the level of sugar in your blood is too high. It mainly affects people with diabetes and can be serious if not treated.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia or a hypo) is usually where your blood sugar (glucose) is below 4mmol/L. It needs to be treated quickly to stop it getting worse, but you can usually treat it yourself.

Other types of diabetes

In addition to type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes there are a range of other types of diabetes.

About 2% of people have these other types of diabetes. These include different types of monogenic diabetes, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, and diabetes caused by rare syndromes. Certain medications such as steroids and antipsychotics could lead to other types of diabetes, as well as surgery or hormonal imbalances. Unfortunately, many of these people are misdiagnosed leading to delays in getting the right treatment.

The Diabetes UK website has more information about all types of diabetes.