Types of diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes — the body makes little or no insulin. It usually needs insulin treatment from diagnosis.
- Type 2 diabetes — the most common type. The body does not respond to insulin properly, does not make enough, or both.
- Other forms — including diabetes that develops in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) and less common types such as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), which can look like type 2 diabetes at first.
Signs that can be linked to high blood sugar
Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms, and it is often found on a routine blood test. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- feeling very thirsty or passing urine more often
- tiredness, or weight loss without trying
- blurred vision
- cuts that heal slowly, or repeated infections
Why regular check-ups matter
Over time, high blood glucose can affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. Regular reviews usually look at long-term glucose control (HbA1c), blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney function and urine albumin (microalbumin), and the eyes and feet.
Dr. Maiti’s research has looked at urine microalbumin, blood markers and blood pressure in people with diabetes, and at the links between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
When an endocrinologist may help
Your family doctor may suggest seeing an endocrinologist, for example when:
- diabetes starts at a young age, or the type is unclear
- blood glucose stays high despite treatment
- low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) keeps happening
- diabetes occurs together with kidney disease or other hormonal conditions
- you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant and have diabetes
Preparing for your consultation
- recent reports — HbA1c, blood glucose, kidney function and urine tests
- your home glucose readings or meter, if you use one
- a list of all medicines, including insulin doses
- earlier prescriptions and hospital discharge summaries
This page gives general information to help you prepare for a consultation. It is not medical advice and does not replace an assessment by a doctor. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Last updated 25 September 2026.