Type 2 diabetes usually develops slowly and can go for years without clear signs. Many people find out by chance, from a routine blood test, or only once complications have appeared. That is why it is worth knowing the early signs and when to get tested, even when you feel well.
At Aura Medical Clinic in Tirana, diabetes and prediabetes are assessed by endocrinologist Dr. Sara Zavalani, the clinic’s founder. This article explains which signs to look out for, who should be tested and what the main tests show.
Early signs that often go unnoticed
- Increased thirst and a dry mouth.
- Passing urine often, especially at night.
- Tiredness without a clear reason.
- Blurred vision.
- Cuts or wounds that heal slowly.
- Repeated infections of the skin or urinary tract, or thrush.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
These signs do not necessarily mean diabetes, but they are a reason to get tested. Many people with type 2 diabetes have none of them.
Who should be tested, even without symptoms
- People who are overweight, especially with fat around the waist.
- Anyone with a parent, brother or sister with diabetes.
- Adults over 35.
- Women who had diabetes during pregnancy or who have polycystic ovary syndrome.
- People with high blood pressure or high blood fats.
- Anyone who is not very physically active.
- Anyone who has had slightly raised blood sugar before (prediabetes).
When the results are normal, the tests are usually repeated every three years, or more often if there are several risk factors. Your doctor sets the right interval for you.
The main tests
| Test | How it is done | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting blood sugar (glucose) | Blood test after at least 8 hours without food | below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) | 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) | 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher |
| HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) | Blood test, no fasting needed; shows average blood sugar over the last 2–3 months | below 5.7% | 5.7–6.4% | 6.5% or higher |
| Glucose tolerance test | Blood sugar is measured before and 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution | below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after 2 hours | 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L) | 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher |
The values in the table are the thresholds commonly used in international guidelines. A diagnosis is not made from a single value: the test is usually repeated or combined with another one, and the doctor interprets the results. Blood sugar and HbA1c can be measured at Aura’s laboratory.
Prediabetes: a warning worth listening to
Prediabetes means that blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough for diabetes. It usually causes no symptoms, but it raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. At this stage, changes in diet, physical activity and weight can slow down or prevent the move to diabetes. Even a small weight loss, around 5–7%, lowers the risk considerably.
What happens after a high result
A high value is a reason to see an endocrinologist, not to panic. The doctor confirms the result, assesses other factors such as blood pressure, blood fats and kidney function, and draws up a plan: diet, physical activity, weight and, when needed, medication. When diabetes is well controlled from the start, the risk of complications in the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart goes down.
When weight plays a large part, the plan can also include medical weight treatment, followed by the endocrinologist.
When to seek help straight away
Very strong thirst with passing a lot of urine, vomiting, abdominal pain, fast breathing, drowsiness or confusion need immediate medical help. In these cases, do not wait for an appointment: go to an emergency department.
Questions for your consultation
- Are my results normal, borderline or high?
- Should I repeat the test, or have a different one?
- What are my risk factors?
- What should I change in my diet and physical activity?
- Do I need medication now, or are lifestyle changes enough?
- Which other checks do I need, for example for my eyes, kidneys and feet?
- How often should I be checked?
14 November is World Diabetes Day, a good moment to get tested if you have not been tested recently. On Saturday 14 November 2026, from 09:00 to 13:00, Aura offers a free blood sugar test. Read more about endocrinology at Aura Medical Clinic. A consultation with Dr. Sara Zavalani sets out your individual plan.
