Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, and some people experience few noticeable symptoms during its early stages. Consequently, they may not realize that their blood glucose levels have remained elevated for months or years.
If diabetes is left untreated, it can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body. Potential complications include cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vision loss, reduced sensation in the feet, and an increased risk of foot ulcers.
Early diagnosis allows people to begin appropriate treatment and take practical steps to reduce these risks. Depending on the individual's condition, management may include dietary changes, regular physical activity, medication, and routine monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Doctors commonly use fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), or other accepted blood tests to diagnose diabetes. A single symptom, including fatigue while walking, cannot establish the diagnosis.