Diabetes is a medical condition in which blood glucose levels are higher (hyperglycaemia) than normal, as measured with fasting blood, a glucose tolerance test, or HbA1c test. The body usually uses insulin to lower blood glucose levels by increasing the ability of cells to take up the excess glucose from the bloodstream. In type 1 diabetes, not enough insulin is produced to overcome high blood glucose levels. In type 2 diabetes, the body does produce more than enough insulin, but cells do not respond adequately to the insulin signal. In both cases, glucose levels build up in the bloodstream.

Common signs and symptoms of early diabetes include fatigue, increased thirst, weight loss, frequent infections, lack of interest and concentration, blurred vision, vomiting and stomach pains, increased hunger, frequent urination, tingling, and numbness in hands and feet. We recommend medical tests to properly diagnose diabetes and do not recommend or condone self-diagnosis.