Over 40 million Americans are living with diabetes, yet one in four adults with diabetes don’t know they have it. In efforts to close the gap, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) has updated its Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test and screening recommendations for type 1 diabetes.

It’s important to learn the symptoms of diabetes and understand risk factors for developing the disease. Early detection is essential to avoid diabetes-related complications, including heart, kidney, and eye disease, and more. For those with diagnosed diabetes, early action can help improve health outcomes, according to Rita Kalyani, MD, MHS, the ADA’s chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Association®.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

• Urinating often
• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry (even though you are eating)
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Cuts or bruises that are slow to heal
• Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

Some people with type 2 diabetes have symptoms so mild they don’t notice them. The ADA encourages everyone to take the free 60-Second Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. For those who are at high risk, the ADA offers connections to National Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle change programs to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.

How do I find out if I have type 2 diabetes?

You can start by checking your risk for type 2 diabetes. The ADA’s Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test is a common tool for this. Others will have a blood test right away. Talk to your doctor about your risk and if you need to be tested for diabetes.

The tests used to check if you have diabetes are the:

• A1C test: Shows your average blood glucose (blood sugar) over the past two to three months
• Fasting blood glucose test: Checks your blood glucose after you haven’t eaten for at least eight hours
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): Measures how your blood glucose changes after drinking a sugary drink
• Random blood glucose test: Measures your blood glucose at any time, without fasting

Your healthcare provider may repeat the test to confirm the results if they show that you have diabetes or prediabetes. Finding out that you have diabetes as early as possible helps you start to manage it right away.

Those who have a family history of type 1 diabetes should consult with their doctor about screening, which can reduce the risk of devastating complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and allow people to take ownership of their health. There are emerging treatments and clinical trials that seek to delay the onset of type 1 diabetes.

Healthy Eating for Diabetics

An eating plan will help you manage your blood glucose, have a better relationship with food, and nourish your body to help it function at its best. Informed food choices are essential to preventing and living well with diabetes. Making purposeful decisions on the types of foods and how you build your plate can help contribute to your health goals.

What types of foods or meal plans are best for managing my diabetes?

There’s no one “perfect” way to eat with diabetes, but your health care team can help you find a meal plan that works for you. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or diabetes care and education specialist can work with you to build a plan that fits your lifestyle, culture, and goals—and helps keep your glucose in your target range.

How does physical activity improve my diabetes management and general health?

Physical activity helps you manage your blood glucose (blood sugar) by improving how well your body uses insulin. It also supports weight loss goals and helps with your energy, mood, heart health, and stress. Even small amounts of movement—like walking or light housework—can make a big difference.

Most adults with diabetes should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, such as brisk walking. That’s about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Also, try to move more and sit less throughout the day, limiting your time seated or inactive to 30 minutes if you can.

Navigating type 2 diabetes can feel challenging and overwhelming. By focusing on what inspires you—family, joy, connection, self-worth, tradition, vitality, and personal goals—you discover your own motivation in managing your diabetes.