Top signs that show you should be getting tested for Type 2 Diabetes

Author: Chantelle van der Merwe

Registered Dietitian (SA) PGDip Diabetes Management (UK).  Nutrition made simple, science made practical. 

As a registered dietitian, I cannot stress enough the importance of early detection of type 2 diabetes. Many of the early warning signs can easily be dismissed as normal everyday occurrences, but these seemingly minor symptoms should not be taken lightly.

The early warning signs of type 2 diabetes include fatigue, increased thirst, and the need to wake up at night to pass urine. These symptoms may seem insignificant, but they could be an indication of an underlying issue. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to encourage them to get tested right away, even more so if you have a strong family history of diabetes! 

If left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications. It can cause hyperglycaemic coma, acute renal failure, blindness, high blood pressure, and even limb amputation. The good news is that a simple finger prick test can provide results within seconds. 

If you're wondering whether you should  get tested for type 2 diabetes, consider the following questions:

• Are you overweight or obese?
• Are you over the age of 45?
• Do you have a close family member with diabetes?
• Have you  previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or polycystic ovarian syndrome?
• Have you  been feeling unusually tired lately?
• Have you been drinking a lot more water than usual?
• Do you need to pass urine more often, especially at night?
• Is your vision blurred?
• Have you gained or lost weight without any major change in lifestyle?

​If you answers yes to one or more of these questions, I would encourage you to completing a screening / finger prick test. Early detection of type 2 diabetes is key to managing the condition successfully. Diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, but it's essential to catch it early to avoid irreversible damage.