How Do You Know If You Have Diabetes? Key Signs and Symptoms

Diabetes is a common health condition. It affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). High blood sugar levels can lead to serious health problems over time. The good news is that you can take steps to manage diabetes and protect your health. But first, how do you know if you have diabetes?

This article will help you understand the signs and symptoms of diabetes. It will also explain testing methods and what to do if you think you might have the condition.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease where your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar from the food you eat get into your cells for energy. When insulin isn’t working right, sugar builds up in your blood. This is called hyperglycemia, and it can damage your body over time. You can find more information about managing health conditions and diseases at Universal Drugstore’s health resources section.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes

Some people with diabetes have noticeable symptoms. Others may not have any symptoms, especially at first. That’s why it’s important to know the common signs. Symptoms can include:

• Frequent urination: Needing to go to the bathroom more often than usual, especially at night.
• Excessive thirst: Feeling very thirsty, even after drinking a lot.
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying.
• Increased hunger: Feeling very hungry, even after eating.
• Blurred vision: Having blurry vision that comes and goes.
• Slow-healing sores: Cuts and bruises that take a long time to heal.
• Frequent infections: Getting infections more often than usual.
• Numbness or tingling: Feeling numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
• Fatigue: Feeling very tired and lacking energy.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other health conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor to find out what’s going on.

Types of Diabetes

There are different types of diabetes, each with its own cause:

• Type 1 diabetes: The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. This means the body will make little to no insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. While this is a lifelong condition, you can still buy insulin and other prescription drugs conveniently from online pharmacies, like Universal Drugstore.
• Type 2 diabetes: The body doesn’t use insulin well and doesn’t make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born. But having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Diagnosing Diabetes: What Tests Are Used?

If your doctor thinks you might have diabetes, they will use one or more blood tests to check your blood sugar levels. Here are the common tests used to diagnose diabetes:²

• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test: This test measures your blood sugar level after you have not eaten for at least eight hours. A level of 7.0 mmol/L or higher indicates diabetes.
• A1C Test: This blood test shows your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
• Random Plasma Glucose Test: This test measures your blood sugar level at any time of day, without regard to when you last ate. A level of 11.1 mmol/L or higher, along with diabetes symptoms, indicates diabetes.
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test requires you to drink a sugary liquid, and then your blood sugar levels are checked over the next two hours. A two-hour blood sugar level of 11.1 mmol/L or higher indicates diabetes. Your doctor will explain each test and why they recommend it.

Risk Factors for Diabetes

Certain things can increase your risk of developing diabetes. These are called risk factors. Some common risk factors include:

• Family history: Having a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.¹
• Overweight or obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Physical inactivity: Not getting enough physical activity.
• Age: The risk of diabetes increases as you get older, especially after age 45.
• High blood pressure: Having high blood pressure.
• High cholesterol: Having high levels of cholesterol or other fats in your blood.
• Gestational diabetes: Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Knowing your risk factors can help you take steps to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.

What to Do If You Think You Have Diabetes

If you think you might have diabetes, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health problems. Your doctor can perform the necessary tests and discuss your treatment options.

Managing Diabetes

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, there are many things you can do to manage your condition and stay healthy. These include:

• Healthy eating: Following a healthy eating plan that is low in fat, sugar, and processed foods.
• Regular exercise: Getting regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Blood sugar monitoring: Checking your blood sugar levels regularly with a blood glucose meter.
• Medication: Taking medication as prescribed by your doctor. This may include insulin or oral medications. One class of medications includes GLP-1 drugs, also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. Options include Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). You can read more about these medications in this article explaining understanding GLP-1 medications.
• Regular checkups: Seeing your doctor and other healthcare providers regularly for checkups and screenings.

Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming, but with the right support and resources, you can live a long and healthy life.

Affording Diabetes Medications

Access to medications is a concern for many. If you are finding it hard to afford your diabetes medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest lower-cost alternatives or connect you with resources that can help. You can also explore options at Universal Drugstore, a trusted online Canadian pharmacy. Check out our frequently asked questions or how to order to learn more.

Key Takeaways

Knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes is crucial for early detection and management. If you experience any of the common symptoms or have risk factors for diabetes, see your doctor for testing. With proper care and management, people with diabetes can live full and healthy lives. Universal Drugstore is ready to assist you with your prescription needs, offering a convenient and affordable solution.

References

1. Definition, Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes. Diabetes Canada. Accessed March 13, 2026.
2. Diabetes – Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. Accessed March 13, 2026.
3. Diabetes. World Health Organization. May 17, 2024. Accessed March 13, 2026.
4. Symptoms of Diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 13, 2023. Accessed March 13, 2026..