If your high blood glucose levels are left untreated for a long time this may lead onto medical complications to other organs such as your heart, eyes, feet and kidneys. In Scotland, nearly 90% of diabetes cases are type 2 and they are many patients who have yet to be diagnosed.

Type 2 diabetes develops more slowly than type 1 diabetes. A lot of people do not get any symptoms, or do not notice them. The symptoms you may experience include:

going to the toilet more often, especially at night
feeling more tired
losing weight without trying
genital itching or thrush
cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
blurred vision
feeling extremely thirsty

Why not order a free copy of 'Your Guide to Type 2 Diabetes' from Diabetes UK Your guide to type 2 diabetes | Free diabetes information - Diabetes UK Shop

For more information about type 2 diabetes, visit Type 2 diabetes | NHS inform and Type 2 diabetes | Diabetes UK

Or watch the video below:

Tips for living with Diabetes

Tip 1: Sign up to My Diabetes

My Diabetes My Way to gain access to your own test results, clinical letters and your treatment plan.

Homepage | Information

Instructions for Yoti sign in

Click here for instructions on how to sign in on a computer using the QR code option via Yoti

Tip 2: Know your Numbers

You have to decide what target blood glucose range is appropriate for you. For most patients we are aiming for:

Before breakfast: 5-7mmol/L
Before a meal: 4-7 mmol/L
Before bed: 6-8 mmol/L

Sometimes we might decide a different blood glucose target range for you e.g. during pregnancy or if you are having problems with hypoglycaemia. If you are unsure of what blood glucose target is appropriate for you - just ask your healthcare professional.

When you come to clinic your HbA1c will be checked, this is a measure of the amount of glucose sticking to your red blood cells and indicates your overall diabetes control over the past few months. This helps guided your management.

The general target for HbA1c is less than 53mmol/mol. This target is just a suggestion and may vary depending on circumstances.

Tip 3: Is Diabetes affecting your mood?

Being given a diagnosis of diabetes can come as a shock. There are lots of different emotions associated with this new diagnosis and there are lots of people out there to support you. Talk to your family, friends and healthcare team if you need some help or more information. Diabetes and mental health I What can help I Diabetes UK.

Mental health support and resources: Long Term conditions

Tip 4: Exercise & Diabetes

Physical activity is important for healthy living. If you have diabetes, it is important to understand that this can affect your blood glucose levels and how you can plan around this. Visit www.runsweet.com.