How is diabetes diagnosed?

Type 1 diagnosis

In the majority of cases, type 1 diabetes is diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood. The symptoms are the same at any age. Leaving the condition untreated can lead to serious health problems and the potential of a life threatening coma.

Type 2 diagnosis

Type 2 diabetes is a slower progressing condition and because of this, symptoms may be harder to spot. The NHS state that type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed following blood or urine tests for something else.

Being diagnosed early can help prevent complications.

If an individual has any of the symptoms of diabetes, it is essential that they see their GP.

The GP will usually check the individual’s urine and organise for a blood test to check blood sugar levels. It usually takes 1 to 2 days for the results. If diabetes is confirmed, the GP will ask to see the an individual again to explain the test results and talk about what will happen next.

The GP will talk about what diabetes is, what high blood sugar means, what medicine will be required, how to manage diet and exercise and general lifestyle choices to include alcohol and smoking.

If you are supporting an individual with diabetes, this information will be recorded on their care plan and risk assessment which is likely to be specific to their diabetes and in addition to the regular care plan items.