Diabetes symptoms and their severity depend on your blood sugar levels. Some people with prediabetes, Type 2 or gestational diabetes may not have symptoms. Talk to your doctor about having your blood sugar levels tested if you experience:

• Feeling very thirsty.
• Urinating a lot, especially at night.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Blurry vision.
• Irritability or other mood changes.
• Slowly healing sores.
• Getting more infections than usual.

Diabetes is a chronic condition related to how your body processes sugar (glucose) and releases insulin. If your body doesn’t produce insulin or can’t use it well, sugar builds up in your bloodstream. The risk factors for diabetes can differ depending on the type of diabetes.

• Type 1 risk factors include family history and race or ethnicity. White Americans are at higher risk for Type 1 diabetes.
• Type 2 and prediabetes risk factors include being overweight, older than 45, having had gestational diabetes, having a close relative with Type 2 diabetes and not being very physically active. Americans who are Black, Hispanic or Latino or of Asian, Pacific Islander, Indian or Alaska Native descent are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes risk factors include being overweight, having had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy, a family history of Type 2 diabetes, giving birth to a baby over 9 pounds, having polycystic ovary syndrome and being over 25. Americans who are Black, Hispanic or Latino or of Asian, Pacific Islander, Indian or Alaska Native descent are at higher risk for gestational diabetes.

Who should be tested for diabetes?

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), you should get tested if you have:

• A body mass index over 25 along with additional risk factors like polycystic ovary syndrome, high blood pressure, heart disease, a relative with diabetes or an inactive lifestyle.
• A history of gestational diabetes.
• Prediabetes.
• HIV.

It’s a good idea to get a blood sugar screening at age 35. If your results are normal, this helps to establish a baseline for future screenings.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Doctors use several tests to evaluate you for diabetes. These include:

• A1C test ― This blood test doesn’t require fasting. It’s used to diagnose prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It can also be used to monitor your blood sugar levels if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes.
• Fasting blood sugar test ― This blood test requires fasting. A sample is taken after an overnight fast to check your blood sugar levels.
• Random blood sugar test ― Your blood sugar level is checked at a random time.
• Glucose screening test ― Used for gestational diabetes, this test involves drinking a sugary liquid, then having your blood drawn and tested after an hour.
• Glucose tolerance test ― This test is used for Type 2 and gestational diabetes. After an overnight fast, a blood sample will be taken to check your fasting blood sugar level. Then you’ll drink a sugary liquid, and your blood sugar will be tested afterward at 1 hour, 2 hours and sometimes 3 hours.

High blood sugars over a long period of time can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision and hearing loss, chronic kidney disease and many others. The good news is that losing weight (even just a few pounds), eating a diet low in processed carbohydrates, and getting more exercise can prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes and could reverse prediabetes.

Besides working toward a healthier lifestyle, education and support are major factors in preventing and managing prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Consider joining classes and support groups, as well as taking part in programs to help manage your weight.

Treating and managing Type 2 diabetes can also involve monitoring your blood sugar at home, regular A1C testing and taking medication.

Treatment for pregnant people with gestational diabetes involves meal plans and physical activity. Your doctor may also want you to test your blood sugar frequently. Some cases of gestational diabetes require insulin injections.

People with Type 1 diabetes will benefit from eating well and staying active but also need further interventions. Insulin injections or an insulin pump are necessary because people with Type 1 diabetes produce little to no insulin. Managing Type 1 diabetes involves carefully monitoring your diet, checking your blood sugar regularly (sometimes with a continuous glucose monitor) and working closely with your doctor to prevent health complications.